Berwyn gas station explodes during severe storms: 'It was like a bomb went off'

A Berwyn gas station exploded Thursday afternoon after a downed power line struck the site just moments after a storm rolled through the area.

Officials responded about 3:40 p.m. to the BP gas station at 6749 Ogden Ave., for reports of power lines that had been knocked down and began sparking in an alley behind the gas station as severe weather moved through the area, the Berwyn Police Department said in a statement.

Shortly after, two main gas lines ignited and firefighters began fire suppression efforts while police officers told nearby residents to evacuate, police said.

The power line began cutting into the concrete and eventually hit a gas line, causing a larger fire, said Deandre Loggins, a nearby resident.

Loggins, who lives across the street from the gas station, said the fire spread to a nearby tree and then to the gas station, causing it to explode.

The gas lines exploded about 3:49 p.m., collapsing the gas station and shattering the windows of nearby structures, police said.

"It was so loud, it was like a bomb went off," Loggins said. "I've seen downed power lines before but never ones that would cause all of this."

Loggins said Berwyn firefighters were closing off access to Oak Park Avenue when the gas station exploded.

As of 8 p.m., firefighters remained at the scene, hosing down the remnants of the building while technicians with Nicor Gas worked to shut down the gas line. No injuries were reported.

Late Thursday, Nicor Gas said workers remained on the scene with emergency crews to secure the area, but did not provide further details about the explosion or damage.

The explosion caused windows in Loggins' apartment building to shatter, and it also damaged a restaurant and auto shop across the street from the gas station. Employees at both businesses Thursday evening boarded up the damaged windows.

Tom Zednik, an employee at Novi's Beef, said the explosion caused three of the restaurant's windows to shatter.

"It was loud. It was unbelievable," Zednik said. "I anticipated storms coming through, but I never thought it would lead to this."

Dozens of residents watched on as fire crews and gas technicians worked to keep the blaze under control.

Manny Tenorio said he heard the explosion from inside his home three blocks from the gas station.

"I thought it was lightning, but when I heard it was an explosion I came to check it out," said Tenorio. "I had just stopped by the gas station this morning. I hope no one was hurt."

Loggins said two gas station clerks were outside when the power line came down.