Starved Rock State Park explosion: Three men die after ‘black powder substance’ ignites on river bank

THREE men have died after a “black powder substance” exploded on a river bank in Illinois. Authorities said their bodies were found along the Illinois River in Starved Rock State Park in Utica, about 75 miles outside of Chicago on Thursday. First responders were called shortly after 7 pm after a report of an explosion […]

THREE men have died after a “black powder substance” exploded on a river bank in Illinois.

Authorities said their bodies were found along the Illinois River in Starved Rock State Park in Utica, about 75 miles outside of Chicago on Thursday.

CBS2 Chicago

The explosion happened at Starved Rock State Park[/caption]

First responders were called shortly after 7 pm after a report of an explosion at the old Illinois Route 178 bridge, near the park.

Upon arriving at the scene they discovered the bodies of the three males, authorities said.

According to LaSalle County Coroner Rich Ploch, the three men died from injuries caused by the explosion.

Autopsies on the victims, whose identities have not been released, have been scheduled for today.

The coroner’s office said they need to identify the victims and contact their families before releasing their names.

“With assistance from the (Illinois) State Police, the Kane County Bomb Squad Unit & the FBI, it was determined that the individuals appeared to have ignited a type of black powder substance along an area near the river bank,” Ploch said.

CBS2 Chicago

Authorities said the three males died from injuries caused by the blast[/caption]

Illinois State Police said in a statement: “This is an isolated incident and there is no concern for public safety at this time.”

It remains unclear who reported the explosion.

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to call ISP at (815) 726-6377.