House Explosion Kills 76-Year-Old Man in Crestwood, Illinois

A house explosion in Crestwood, Illinois, on Kenneth Court killed the 76-year-old homeowner, who was found dead in the basement after firefighters extinguished the fire. The explosion occurred shortly after 2 p.m. Thursday and left the home completely leveled, with debris scattered onto neighboring properties. Authorities believe a natural gas leak caused the blast, and the investigation into the exact cause is ongoing. Neighbors described the explosion as sounding like a bomb and said the man was a Vietnam War veteran and retired truck driver who had lived in the house for about 25 years with his late wife. Firefighters from multiple nearby departments assisted in controlling the fire, and no firefighters were injured during the response. The investigation continues as the community grapples with the tragedy.