Ottawa man dies in La Salle County fireworks accident

A 25-year-old Ottawa man died from a fireworks accident Friday in a rural area between Utica and Ottawa.

The La Salle County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release sent Friday that deputies responded at 12:26 a.m. to 3073 E. 12th Road for an incident involving illegal fireworks. The victim was taken to OSF St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, where he later died because of injuries suffered from the accident.

[ 2 house fires blamed on fireworks; one home declared total loss ]

Chance W. Ruger was identified Friday by the coroner’s office as the deceased. A forensic investigative autopsy is being conducted Friday with preliminary results pending.

The incident is under investigation by the La Salle County Sheriff’s Office, La Salle County Coroner’s Office and Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Utica fire personnel and emergency medical services also responded to the scene.