Posted on 02/28/2008 11:28:57 AM PST by SE Mom
WAUKEGAN, Ill. -- Firefighters from several departments are battling what appeared to be an explosion and fire at a shopping plaza early Thursday afternoon. The fire is burning at 1926 Grand Ave. in the northern suburb, a shopping plaza home to Tuxedo World, Cleopatra's Unisex Hair Salon, Cellular Concepts and a travel agency. Authorities reported there are several injuries. Reports of a structure collapse could not be confirmed. Authorities have closed Grand Avenue between Martin and Lewis avenues, and crews from People's Gas are on the scene because firefighters fear a gas leak.
Not sure if this was due to a gas explosion or if there is NOW a gas explosion.
I sure hope that was a gas explosion.
Prayers for the victims.
FYI- could just be a gas explosion...very early yet.
Not to jump to conclusions, but that would make sense. A lot of people, not much security...
In any event, I hope everyone is ok!
FOX was talking about it as well. No details on injured etc yet, no known cause, and so on
Plaza, not an indoor mall, it appears. I can’t imagine that a small plaza would be a target, but I guess you never know.
...but it is a weapon free zone!!
When my sons graduated from basic we were there. There was a huge mall near. I first thought of that. This sounds like a small strip mall though. Probabably a natural gas problem.
Yikes. Prayer.
Fox reporting “multitude of multiple injuries” at this point, and they think it was a GAS explosion.
Someone was real quick to add terrorism as a keyword.
Who’s the dumbass that is jumping the gun?
Police Chief and Mayor now reporting multiple injuries- Fire Dept thinking it was a gas explosion...
PER FOX
“Cleopatra’s Unisex Hair Salon”
Hairspray explosion? That stuff is extremely flamable
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.