A tragic explosion has rocked the suburban neighborhood of unincorporated Lake Zurich, Illinois, leaving a home completely decimated and authorities scrambling to determine the cause. Approximately 40 miles northwest of downtown Chicago, the explosion occurred at around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, sending shockwaves through the quiet community (usatoday) (fox).

The body of an individual was recovered from the rubble, and authorities believe it to be that of a 77-year-old man. However, official identification has yet to be confirmed (usatoday) (fox). Neighbors described hearing a loud 'boom' at the time of the explosion, with many rushing outside to find a devastating scene (usatoday) (fox).

The blast was so powerful that it damaged two neighboring homes. Responding swiftly to the unfolding disaster, local fire departments and utility crews worked together to control the situation. A utility company crew had to dig up gas lines to shut off the natural gas supply to the property, allowing firefighters to finally extinguish the flames (fox).

As investigations continue, the Lake County Coroner’s Office has scheduled an autopsy for the recovered body (usatoday). The state fire marshal has also been called in to investigate the cause of the explosion. Both the Lake County Sheriff’s Office and the Lake Zurich Fire Department are actively involved in the ongoing probe (usatoday) (fox).

Residents are now left grappling with the aftermath of the explosion, as authorities piece together the sequence of events that led to this fatal incident. While the community mourns the loss of life and the destruction of property, the relentless efforts of investigators aim to provide answers and prevent such a catastrophe from occurring again.