Box Truck Explosion in Addison Leaves One Injured, Four Homes Damaged

ADDISON, Ill. (WLS) — A box truck explosion on Saturday morning in Addison resulted in one injury and damage to four homes. The explosion occurred around 8:45 a.m. on Wood Dale Road, just north of Lake Street, and was captured on doorbell cameras.

According to the Addison Fire Protection District, the driver of the Penske rental truck escaped with minor injuries and was found walking around the vehicle when emergency responders arrived. He was taken to the hospital for treatment, but his injuries were not life-threatening.

The blast left a significant debris field, reportedly spanning one to two blocks, which included clothing and pieces of damaged furniture. Four homes sustained damage, with one being rendered temporarily uninhabitable.

Addison Fire Protection District Chief Brock Herion explained that the force of the explosion caused one wall of the truck to impact a load-bearing wall of a nearby home, pushing it inward by up to four feet. Residents described the sound as similar to an earthquake or a tree falling on their house.

Investigators believe a propane tank being carried in the truck began leaking, leading to the explosion. The vehicle was rented for the purpose of moving household items, despite Penske’s rental agreement prohibiting the transportation of flammable or hazardous materials.

Penske has stated that they are cooperating fully with investigators, which includes efforts from the Addison police, the DuPage County Bomb Squad, and the ATF. The police deemed the explosion an accident.

Wood Dale Road was closed for cleanup, but authorities expect to reopen it within hours. Despite the damages, local officials expressed relief that there were no more severe injuries or fatalities.