2 found dead after house explosion, large fire in Oswego identified, officials say
OSWEGO, Ill. (WLS) -- Two people were found dead after firefighters battled a large fire after a house explosion Thursday evening in Oswego.
Ring video shows a neighbor sprinting out of her home as black smoke billows from a house engulfed in fire across the street on Fox Chase Drive in Oswego Thursday evening.
That neighbor said there was little she could do when she got to the scene.
Others living nearby still can't believe the magnitude of the fire on the quiet Oswego street.
"You're still shaken by it," neighbor Todd Dietz said. "Two lives were lost and you couldn't do anything about it."
Dietz lives just a couple houses down from the now smoldering pile of rubble that was once someone's home.
Nearby trees are glistening with ice hours after fire crews worked to put out the massive fire.
Dietz said he was not at home at the time, but said his neighbors heard a loud boom, adding that they say their homes shook.
"The roads were all closed, everybody, Nicor, fire department, they had a excavation crew demolishing once they got the cars out," Dietz said.
Overnight, Oswego fire officials said two people were found dead among the debris.
They've been presumptively identified as James Fitzmaurice Sr., 64 of Oswego and Virgie Fitzmaurice, 62 of Oswego.
Their cause and manner of death are pending.
"When we arrived, we found a two-story house that was fully involved in fire and large portions of it collapsed," Oswego Fire Protection District Chief Joshua Flanders said.
Investigators said the fire broke out just after 5 p.m. and believe a gas leak may be to blame for the blast.
The home is located right across the street from Fox Chase Elementary School, where school officials say no damage was done to the building. But a precautionary walkthrough was conducted to be safe before students arrived Friday morning.
Oswego Village President Ryan Kauffman said in a statement, "Our hearts are heavy following the devastating house explosion and fire that occurred Thursday evening on Fox Chase Drive North in Oswego, which claimed the lives of two members of our community. At this time, our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of those we lost. We recognize that no words can fully capture the pain of such a profound loss, and we stand in mourning with all those affected by this tragedy.
"We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible first responders, our Oswego Fire Protection District, Oswego Police Department, and all assisting fire and public safety agencies, as well as our Public Works team, whose bravery, professionalism, and tireless efforts helped secure the scene, care for the community, and support ongoing investigation efforts in extremely challenging conditions. Their dedication reflects the very best of Oswego's spirit.
"In this moment of sorrow, we also see the strength of our community. Oswego residents have always been defined not by tragedy, but by how we come together, supporting one another with compassion, resilience, and kindness. As we grieve, we will lift up those impacted, offer support where it's needed most, and honor the memories of those lost by strengthening the bonds that unite us.
"May we continue to hold each other in care and solidarity, now and in the days ahead."
