Garbage collector credited with averting truck explosion in north Chicago suburbs
A garbage collector in north suburban Morton Grove was praised for his quick thinking Tuesday afternoon after preventing a possible explosion.
The garbage truck driver was on Central Avenue near Oakton Street in Morton Grove when he noticed a fire in the back of his truck.
He quickly dumped his load — approximately 500 pounds of trash.
Morton Grove Fire Chief Dennis Kennedy said if the garbage collector had not done so, the truck could have exploded.
"These are compressed natural gas trucks, and it's compressed natural gas cylinders on top of the truck, so the driver, quick thinking, was able to get the load out, dumped onto the street, get the fire away from that hazard," said Kennedy.
No one was hurt, and the fire was brought under control.
In December of last year, a garbage truck powered by compressed natural gas exploded in Arlington Heights. Two firefighters and a police officer were injured, and property was damaged in the area.
Fire officials believe the improper disposal of a lithium-ion battery may have been to blame.
