Lincoln Park scrap yard will stay closed while explosion is probed

A controversial North Side scrap recycler will remain closed under city orders until investigators determine the cause of a Monday explosion that sent plumes of smoke into the air.

Fire crews responded shortly after 9 a.m. to an explosion in the metal shredding conveyor system at General Iron Industries, 1909 N. Clifton Ave., Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Merritt said in an emailed statement.

No one was reportedly injured, officials said. A “major explosion and fire” sent a “fireball” and “mushroom cloud” of smoke into the air, according to Ald. Brian Hopkins (2nd), whose ward includes the Lincoln Park recycling facility. Hopkins, who wants the facility shut down by executive order, said there were increased pollution readings in the surrounding neighborhood.

Air quality tests done immediately after the explosion show “there is no apparent immediate health risk to residents and the surrounding community,” according to the fire department, which is investigating the explosion with the Chicago Department of Public Health.

The company agreed to suspend operations pending a city investigation and safety concerns, CFD spokesman Larry Langford told the Chicago Sun-Times.

An emergency closure order was implemented by the Chicago Department of Buildings and the fire department, according to officials.

The city will issue citations for any potential environmental violations, Merritt said.

General Iron Industries spokesman Randall Samborn said there was no fire after the initial explosion and that the company is investigating potential causes, including “potential sabotage.”

“We are fully cooperating with city officials,” Samborn said.

In September, General Iron Industries agreed to vacate the Lincoln Park site by the end of 2020 for the Southeast Side. Hopkins, who has called for the plant’s closure due to the pollution it sends into the neighborhood, renewed calls to shut down the plant.