Three Hurt in Illinois Paint Warehouse Blast

March 07--Three people were injured Wednesday after explosions and a fire at a paint manufacturing warehouse in northwest suburban Cary, officials said.

Cary police and firefighters were called to Fox Valley Services, 640 Industrial Drive, about 1:15 p.m. after a report of an explosion, said Cary police Chief Steven Casstevens. The fire was extinguished by about 5 p.m., he said.

After emergency crews arrived, a second explosion rocked the two-story warehouse, Casstevens said. The two explosions blew off the front of the brick building and created a small hole in the back, he said.

Three workers were taken to area hospitals for treatment, Casstevens said. Their conditions weren't immediately available, but their injuries were not believed to be life-threatening, he said.

A hazardous materials team and a foam-dispensing unit were called to the building, he said.

Jim Hursh, who owns a crane rental business about a block away, said he heard an explosion about 1 p.m.

"There was ... major smoke coming out of the building," Hursh said.

After a second explosion, Hursh said, he saw a man who appeared to have been burned on his face.

Cary, Barrington, Crystal Lake, Fox River Grove, Nunda Township and McHenry Township fire departments were at the scene, Hursh said.

Scott Allen, a spokesman for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, said the federal agency will investigate.

Fire officials will also try to determine the cause of the explosions and the fire, Casstevens said.

Freelance reporter Amanda Marrazzo contributed.

csadovi@tribune.com

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