70 people evacuated after explosion at US chemical plant

Chicago : According to US officials, relief and rescue operations are still underway after a massive fire caused by an explosion at a chemical plant in the Illinois area earlier this week.
The explosion occurred Monday morning at a plant under ChemTools Inc., a maker of lubricants, grease products and other fluids, near Rockton, Winnebago County, about 152 kilometers northwest of Chicago.
Kirk Wilson, district chief of Rockton Fire Protection, said: “I want to reiterate and remind the public that the one-mile evacuation order is still in effect.

“At this time, I am pleased to report that no toxic substances have been released into our waterways and into our water systems within Rockton Village,” he said.

70 workers of the Chemtool factory were evacuated without injuries.
Two firefighters were taken to hospitals, one assessed for a minor injury to their leg and the other for inhaling the fumes.
Wilson said efforts were still on to put out the fire.

It is feared that the fire could burn for several days.

More than 30 air quality monitors have been installed around the area.
It is unknown when the evacuated residents will be allowed to return to their homes.