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Explosion at Arlington Heights Factory Kills One Man, Sends 10 Others to Hospitals

Last Updated: 23 May, 2012

Arlington Heights was the scene of an explosion, fire and chemical leak that killed one man and sent 10 others to area hospitals.

Witnesses stated that around 8:30 a.m. on May 22 they heard a loud booming noise that sounded like a car backfiring. Firefighters received a call around 9 a.m. that there was a problem at Arens Controls, a factory that makes electrical control products for heavy equipment.

The explosion occurred at a machine in an area of the factory that tests the parts made there. Arlington Heights Fire Chief Glenn Erikson noted that the explosion had been violent with twisted metal and the roof above the area buckled. The machine caught on fire after the explosion but that was easily extinguished. However, it filled the room with smoke.

Some of the workers at the factory complained of hearing loss and heart pounding. Ten people, including three police officers, were sent to hospitals complaining of concussion symptoms and smoke-related issues but none of the ten had life threatening issues. One man was killed during the explosion. He has not been identified pending family notification. The remaining 50 workers were sent home for the day.

Workplace accidents can lead to lifelong disabilities or an end of a life. If you or a loved one has been negatively affected by a workplace accident, call Spiros Law, P.C. at (815) 929-9292 to explore your legal rights.