OSHA Investigating Fatal Explosion At Seneca Petroleum In Lemont

LEMONT, IL — The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating after an explosion at Seneca Petroleum in Lemont Township killed a 25-year-old man.

The coroner's office identified the man killed as Dru Worker, of Homewood. He was pronounced dead at 11:05 a.m. at Seneca Petroleum, the coroner's office said. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday.

A second victim was also taken to an area hospital with minor injuries.

Worker, a contractor with M&J Industrial Services, was also a wrestling coach at Victor J. Andrew High School in Tinley Park.

'Selfless' Wrestling Coach, 'Great Man' Killed In Explosion Mourned

Principal Abir Othman called Worker "an impactful coach and friend to many," in a tweet on Wednesday.

OSHA spokesperson Scott Allen told Patch that OSHA has opened an investigation with the contractor on the site, M&J Industrial Services, "where one of their employees was fatally injured and another was injured at a workplace incident at Seneca Petroleum Company in Lemont."

"OSHA has also opened an investigation with Seneca Petroleum Company. No further information will be available until OSHA has completed their investigation, which by law, they have 6 months to complete," Allen said.

The Lemont Fire Protection District said it responded at 9:38 a.m. Tuesday for a reported explosion and fire at the refinery, 12460 New Ave. Fire units arrived at 9:42 a.m., and found a fire involving an asphalt storage tank, with numerous injuries.

The incident was elevated to a "full still," which brought in resources from the nearby CITGO refinery fire department, and the Romeoville Fire Department, the Fire District said.

Firefighters brought the fire under control at 10:23 a.m. Tuesday.

Representatives from the Will County Coroner’s Office, Illinois OSHA and the Illinois State Fire Marshal’s Office were also at the scene to assist with the investigation, according to the Fire District.