A raging Andersonville fire destroyed two auto body shops and injured at least one area resident on Chicago’s North Side.
Two Roofs Collapse in Blaze
Shortly before 7:00 a.m. on April 23, 2022, the Chicago Fire Department responded to reports of a massive fire engulfing Star Auto Repair and Body Shop and Smashy Automotive Repair and Body Shop in the 5000 block of North Clark Street in Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood.
The blaze proved to be so large that authorities declared it a 3-11 alarm, spurring approximately 250 firefighters to report to the scene of the Andersonville fire.
The roofs of both auto repair shops ultimately collapsed in the fire, which was extinguished by 9:00 a.m.
Chemicals May Have Fueled Andersonville Fire
While firefighters largely kept the flames from spreading to the surrounding buildings, at least one person inside of a nearby apartment had to be transported to Weiss Memorial Hospital in reportedly fair condition for cuts and smoke inhalation. It was not immediately known if the patient later retained any personal injury attorneys.
Fire officials are trying to determine the cause of the Andersonville fire, though chemicals inside the body shops may have helped fuel it.
Over a Million Building Fires Each Year
Incidents like the Andersonville fire are unfortunately all too common in the United States, which has over a million building fires each year. In fact, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) found that there were 1,291,500 fires in 2019 alone – many of them deadly.
That same year, FEMA reported that 3,704 people died in those fires – more than deaths per day on average. Even non-fatal fires can leave victims with devastating, often disfiguring injuries.
Have You Been Hurt in a Fire?
Though the causes of these fires may vary, they are frequently the result of negligence. Under these types of circumstances, the negligent parties could be financially liable to anyone who is injured. If you have been hurt in a building fire and wish to seek compensation from those responsible, reach out to the burn injury attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers LLC.
With more than $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, GWC is one of the premier Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation law firms in Illinois. Our dedicated personal injury attorneys have the experience, the determination, the resources, and the reputation you need to help get you and your family the justice you deserve.
To schedule a no-cost, no-obligation consultation with one of our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys, contact GWC today. You may call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with a representative at any time.
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