3 Killed In Starved Rock Blast Were Related: Coroner

UTICA, IL — The LaSalle County Coroner said the three men killed in an explosion near Starved Rock on Thursday are relatives from the Chicago area, and that the blast is believed to have been an accident.

UPDATED:3 Killed In Starved Rock State Park Explosion Identified: Coroner

Coroner Rich Ploch said the identities of the three men will likely be released on Monday, and that they were "cousins and uncles" from the Chicago area ranging in age from their mid-20s to mid-50s, the Chicago Tribune reported.

Ploch said the blast appears to be an accident, adding, "We’re not concerned (about) any public safety or any foul play," according to the report.

Authorities said the explosion came from a black powder device along the bank of the Illinois River on Thursday night. First responders were called to the area of Starved Rock State Park near the old Illinois Route 178 bridge at about 7:20 p.m, said Illinois State Police. After more than five hours of searching, emergency crews found the bodies of three men.

"With assistance from the State Police, the Kane County Bomb Squad Unit and the FBI, it was determined that the individuals appeared to have ignited a type of black powder substance along an area near the river bank," LaSalle County Coroner Rich Ploch said in a statement.

Ploch confirmed all three died from injuries related to the explosion, but the final cause and manner of death is pending autopsy results. According to officials, it could take weeks to know exactly what the black powder is.

"This is an isolated incident and there is no concern for public safety at this time," said officials from the Illinois State Police.

Anyone with information regarding the explosion cant contact the ISP DCI Zone 3 at 815-726-6377.