Rapatee, IL – A minute before 11:30 Sunday afternoon, emergency responders were called to Illinois 97 and North Street for a report of a house explosion in Rapatee. That explosion claimed the lives of two individuals.
No other injuries are being reported at this time.
Fairview Fire Chief Mark Hanlin said Sunday evening, “the church here in town, everyone stayed after. Other community members and family members have been arriving and helping support the family and the neighborhood.”
Fairview Fire responded to the scene and found a house had exploded and scattered debris in the roadway, power lines, and nearby homes.
Area Fire Departments began to conduct search and rescue operations and extinguish the fire. The house was supplied by a propane tank in the yard and there are no natural gas lines in the area.
AMEREN Crews are on scene working to restore power to area homes.
A restore time is unavailable until the State Fire Marshall clears the scene and crews can repair the damaged lines.
It is likely Illinois 97 will be closed until Monday morning. People are encouraged to avoid the area and seek alternate routes.
The department called for mutual aid from Maquon Fire, Farmington Fire and London Mills Fire Department.
Other units responded to the scene from the Fulton County Sheriff’s Department, Fulton County Emergency Medical Association, Knox County Sheriff’s Department, Illinois State Police, Galesburg Hospital Association, Farmington Police Department, AMEREN and Fulton County Emergency Services and Disaster Agency.
We have a crew on the way to the scene.
This story will be updated.
Central Illinois Fire Society reported that there was an explosion in Rapatee in Fulton County. It also said two Life Flights were seen going to the area.
A viewer call also confirmed the above details.
Fulton County ESDA reports emergency responders are on scene at a reported gas explosion. IL 97 in Rapatee will be close for some time.
Residents are encouraged to seek alternate routes and avoid the area. The gas leak has been contained.
Fairview Fire Department confirmed an incident happened and is currently at the scene. It received reports from an employee but the exact details are not yet confirmed.
No word on any injuries at this time.
Fairview Fire Chief Hanlin will release a statement later Sunday.
We will keep updating this story.