Will Cook County News

By Claude Martinez. (Updated: June 12, 3:02 p.m.; June 13, 11:24 p.m.; June 14, 9:01 a.m.; June 15, 12:50 a.m.; June 19, 2:56 a.m.: & June 21, 12:34 a.m.).

Crestwood – Updated article – On June 12, a home in the 14000 block of Kenneth Ct. in Crestwood was leveled by an explosion, prompting a major emergency response.

The blast occurred shortly after 2 p.m. near the end of the cul-de-sac. Residents in the area reported hearing a loud explosion and quickly contacted emergency services. Fire crews from multiple departments, including Crestwood, Posen, Alsip, Blue Island, Orland Park, Palos Heights, Midlothian, Oak Forest, Evergreen Park, Lemont, Homewood, Frankfort, and Troy, responded to the scene—either to assist with the initial incident or as part of the ongoing investigation.

Crestwood Fire Chief Jon Newton confirmed that firefighters were able to extinguish the resulting fire by 4 p.m.

Roughly 45 minutes after the explosion, Nicor Gas crews were staged along Kostner Ave. to inspect nearby homes and infrastructure for additional gas line issues.

Tragically, a body was discovered in the rubble. Authorities believe the victim to be the 76-year-old homeowner, although official identification has not yet been released; as of the morning of June 19.

As of the morning of June 13, fire officials reported that the explosion appeared to have been caused by a natural gas leak.

As of the morning of June 14, fire officials reported to WCCN, via email, that the “Cause is still under investigation, but at this time it appears to be a natural gas explosion.” They continued to state that the “Scene is secure and no danger exists to any surrounding residences / buildings.”

As of the evening of June 14, Nicor Gas crews could still be seen in the area.

As of the early morning of June 21, WCCN has not received any additional updates.

This remains a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

Watch the news package on YouTube (linked below), Facebook or Instagram @ Will Cook County News.

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Crestwood — Original article – Shortly after 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, a house exploded near 141st Pl. and Kenneth Ct., Crestwood.

Residents told WCCN they heard and felt the explosion from inside their homes. Local fire departments quickly responded to the scene and began extinguishing the flames.

Nearby roads were blocked off by police and fire officials.

As of this report (3:02 p.m., June 12, 2025), no injuries have been reported.

Crestwood police and fire officials declined to comment.

This is a developing story.

Watch the news package on YouTube (linked below), Facebook or Instagram @ Will Cook County News.

For more news follow WCCN on Facebook, Instagram & YouTube @ Will Cook County News.