Illinois Lubricants Plant Total Loss In Fire

June 17, 2021
An Illinois lubricants plant is expected to be a total loss after several explosions June 14 set the facility on fire.

June 17, 2021—A chemical plant in Rockton, Ill., was still burning Tuesday after several explosions sent a blaze throughout the facility Monday morning.

The plant, owned by Lubrizol subsidiary Chemtool, produces greases and other lubricants for many companies, including several in the automotive industry. According to a report from Jalopnik, local firefighters stopped spraying water on the fire to prevent contamination of local water sources, and anyone living in a one-mile radius of the plant was evacuated. 

A statement from Lubrizol Tuesday said the company expects a total loss of the site, and officials will continue to provide pay and benefits to employees.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and most likely will not be determined until after the fire goes out. Authorities decided to let the blaze die out on its own, which means it could take days before an official cause is determined.