Shortly after 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 13, 2013, the American Red Cross (ARC) responded to a pipeline explosion near Interstate I-88 and Albany Road, north of Erie, IL. Residents living within a one-mile radius were evacuated and a shelter was opened at the Erie Fire Department.
The ARC will support the shelter with staff and provide food, water, and other services and serve as a safe place where residents can get information and support. In the early morning, there were 20 individuals in the shelter and more were anticipated. By 6:00 a.m., the ARC had met with the Erie Fire Department and families impacted by the explosion. The evacuation area was decreased, and many families were allowed back into their homes. Other families have chosen to stay with friends and families.
The shelter at the Erie Fire Department is on standby and will be reopened if needed.