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Two workers sustained injuries Tuesday morning following an explosion at a chemical plant in Illinois, which sparked a significant hazardous materials response and temporarily required nearby employees to shelter in place.
The explosion took place just before 8 a.m. at the Coogee Chemical facility located in Ottawa, a small city situated southwest of Chicago, according to officials.
Reports indicate the incident involved a magnesium fire, known for its intense heat and unpredictability, which cannot be doused with water. The blaze allegedly originated from a malfunction in oxygen sensor equipment, leading to increased oxygen levels.
“Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion may have resulted from equipment failure during the process of transferring magnesium into a storage container,” stated the Ottawa Fire Department (OFD).
An aerial image of the Coogee Chemical plant in Ottawa, Illinois, where the explosion occurred on April 21, 2026, was provided by Fox 32 Chicago.
Crews also had to use specialized on-site industrial dry chemical agents to safely suppress the magnesium fire, as water can further intensify the reaction.
The fire department said the blaze was brought under control at approximately 8:14 a.m., roughly 15 minutes after it broke out.
As a safety precaution, the Ottawa Police Department and the Illinois Department of Transportation temporarily closed a nearby road, and individuals in the area were advised to shelter in place.
Firefighters inspect the interior of a chemical facility after a blast rocked the manufacturing plant in Ottawa, Illinois, on April 21, 2026. (Fox 32 Chicago)
All responding personnel underwent standard decontamination procedures on scene, while hazmat teams assisted with patient decontamination at the hospital.
The fire reportedly caused minimal damage to the facility, and plant operations have been suspended pending an investigation.
The Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration (Illinois OSHA) is assisting with the investigation.Â