Man Killed in Crestwood Home Explosion on Kenneth Court

Unsafe Premises - June 15, 2025

Natural Gas Leak Believed To Have Caused Fatal Crestwood Home Explosion That Killed 76-Year-Old Man

CRESTWOOD, ILLINOIS (June 14, 2025) – A 76-year-old man has tragically died in a Crestwood home explosion at a property on Kenneth Court by 141st Place.

Cook County officials are saying that the incident took place on Thursday afternoon. A 76-year-old man was inside of the home when the blast took place.

Firefighters and paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Sadly, the man inside the home died due to the severe nature of his injuries.

Authorities believe that the blast was likely caused by a natural gas leak. A full investigation into the Crestwood home explosion remains ongoing.

Liability for Crestwood Home Explosions

Natural gas leaks are one of the most common causes of home explosions. According to the American Energy Coalition, “There are about 286 natural gas explosions a year. Since 2010 there have been more than 2,700 significant gas leak incidents across the country requiring hospitalization or causing property damage more than $122,00.” A number of issues may contribute to a natural gas explosion.

• Damaged Pipelines: Any damage to natural gas pipelines could potentially contribute to a spontaneous rupture. Damage can come from many sources, including excavation accidents and natural wear and tear.
• Poor Ventilation: Natural gas explosions are more likely to take place when gas is allowed to accumulate in enclosed areas.
• Maintenance: Another major cause of natural gas explosions is due to a lack of maintenance on gas lines.

Gas companies have a legal obligation to protect their customers from reasonably foreseeable sources of harm. To that end, they must adequately maintain all of their lines. They should also use various electronic detectors to identify potential leaks. When a gas company has actual or constructive notice of a dangerous condition with their property, they must take action. Failing to take action prior to a home explosion could form the basis of a negligence claim.

A number of lawsuits have been filed by people injured in natural gas explosions in Illinois. Consider, for example, Metz v. Central Illinois Electric & Gas Co. The Illinois Supreme Court held that negligence for a natural gas explosion may be inferred when certain conditions are met. This includes (1) the incident normally involves negligence, (2) the instrument in question was under the defendant’s control, and (3) the defendant has superior factual positions. It is essential that certain actions are taken after any natural gas explosion.

• The condition of the gas line involved in the explosion should be investigated.
• Surveillance footage that may have captured the explosion should be reviewed.
• Medical records related to injuries should be preserved.
• A thorough investigationinto the cause of the explosion should be determined.

Natural gas explosions are often highly preventable. They tend to involve situations where gas companies fail to properly maintain their lines. This could be done to save money or for many other different reasons. Unfortunately, natural gas providers will often do everything in their power to deny responsibility if one of their customers is harmed in an explosion. This is why it is so important that all of these incidents are properly investigated by an outside party.

Investigating Illinois Natural Gas Explosions

We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our deepest condolences to the family of the man killed in this Crestwood home explosion. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong so that similar tragedies may be averted. Many questions remain unanswered. Were the gas lines around this home properly maintained? When was the last time maintenance was performed on the gas lines?

Do you need more information about a Crestwood natural gas explosion? Our team of gasline safety advocates is here to answer any questions that you may have. We are intimately familiar with natural gas explosions and the negligence that often precedes fatal accidents. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.