Arlington Heights, Illinois – Following a recent fire and explosion involving a garbage truck, authorities are currently investigating the cause of the incident. While two police officers are recovering at home from their injuries, a firefighter injured in the event has already returned to work.
Law enforcement officials revealed on Monday that they suspect uncontrolled combustion within the garbage collection hopper of the Groot Waste Management truck, with surrounding trash acting as fuel for the fire. The heat then moved upward to the roof, where Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) tanks were located. Ultimately, the theory suggests that the fire and heat triggered an explosion in one or more CNG tanks, leading to significant damage.
The incident occurred last week on Derbyshire, just south of Euclid Avenue, at approximately 4 p.m. Emergency responders, including police and firefighters, were on the scene when a portion of the truck exploded. Despite the close proximity of multiple first responders to the explosion, firefighters were able to quickly contain and extinguish the fire.
The explosion caused a shock wave that resulted in substantial property damage in the immediate vicinity. Nearby single-family homes suffered significant structural damage, including blown-off roof sections and shattered windows. Even emergency vehicles were impacted, with a fire engine’s windshield shattered and a squad car’s airbags deploying.
In response to the incident, forensic technicians meticulously documented the scene using digital and drone photography. Residents affected by the damage were urged to contact authorities to properly document any property damage. As a result of the explosion, a section of Euclid Avenue was closed off to traffic for over six hours for investigation and cleanup efforts.
Police released video footage of the incident, captured on a police officer’s body-worn camera and a squad car dash-mounted camera, showcasing the intensity of the explosion and the debris that scattered throughout the surrounding neighborhood. Additionally, several incidents of related residential property damage have been documented, prompting Groot’s insurance carrier to open a claims process for impacted residents to seek compensation for damages. Residents can contact the insurance representative at 913-491-2277 and reference claim number RC15285 for assistance.