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Neighbors shaken by car explosion at 176th and Holiday

by Melanie Jongsma
A car explosion occurred on Holiday Court, north of 176th Place, just after 10:00pm Wednesday, October 16. (Image: Google maps)

LANSING, Ill. (October 16, 2019) – At 10:07pm on Wednesday, October 16, an explosion could be heard and felt on Holiday Court, just north of 176th Place. Neighbors looked out their windows to see flames roaring out of a late-model Yukon in the street.

As black smoke filled the sky, police and firefighters began to arrive. Popping sounds punctuated the air, and onlookers speculated about whether they were hearing firecrackers that had been setting on the front seat, or ammunition that may have been stored in the glove compartment, or simply parts of the vehicle bursting in the heat. No official explanation was given.

Lansing firefighters arrived quickly to battle the blaze. (Photo: Patty Grigutis)

Running the license plates, police contacted the vehicle’s owner, who informed them the car had been stolen the previous night. He arrived on the scene to confirm the SUV was his.

A lighter was found near the burning vehicle.

No injuries were reported as a result of the explosion or fire.

By 11:00pm, the burned-out Yukon was completely extinguished, and neighbors were waiting for the all-clear to return to their homes. (Photo: Melanie Jongsma)
Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma
Melanie Jongsma grew up in Lansing, Illinois, and believes The Lansing Journal has an important role to play in building community through trustworthy information.