Explosion Heard Around North Lake County
At approximately 10 PM, Tuesday, Hammond Fire Department responded to the report of an explosion at 2501 165th at Silgan Containers.
Arriving units encountered heavy fire on the outside of the building which was quickly contained. The fast response from the Hammond Fire Department with multiple crews and apparatus, controlled and extinguished the fire almost immediately.
Residents in Hammond said it shook their homes and rattled windows. The sound was heard by some in Highland, Munster and even as far as Hobart.
The explosion appeared to come from a process at the plant which burns off VOCs (volatile organic compounds), according to Hammond Fire Chief Bernie Grisolia. “While there was significant damage to the plant, we are happy to report there are no injuries, and all employees are accounted for,” Grisolia stated.
The machinery malfunction/explosion is still under investigation. The Silgan company did not immediately respond to inquiries.
