Coroner ID’s man who died in Lemont refinery explosion, fire

A 25-year-old worker was killed and another worker injured following an explosion and fire at Seneca Petroleum’s refinery in unincorporated Lemont.

About 9:40 a.m., Tuesday, firefighters with the Lemont Fire Protection District responded to a fire at Seneca Petroleum Co., 12460 New Avenue, in unincorporated Lemont, said Dan Tasso, the fire protection district chief. The fire was brought under control a little after 10:20 a.m., he said.

Dru A. Worker, 25, of Homewood, was identified by Will County Coroner Laurie Summers’ Office as the man who died at Seneca Petroleum.

Worker’s autopsy has been scheduled for Thursday. The cause and manner of Worker’s death remains pending.

The other worker who was injured in the incident was taken to Silver Cross Hospital, according to a statement from Lemont fire officials.

The first units that arrived on scene reported there was a “working fire involving an asphalt storage tank with numerous injuries,” Lemont fire officials said.

Tasso told reporters on Tuesday morning there is no hazard to the community.

“There is no environmental concern at this time,” he said.

Damage estimates are not available as of Tuesday, Lemont fire officials said.

Staff with Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office and Illinois Occupational Safety and Health Administration were called to the scene to investigate as well, Tasso said. ComEd has also been called to the scene.

The explosion caused some power lines to come down, according to the Will County Sheriff’s Office.