O’Hare explosion not as severe as initially thought

O’Hare explosion not as severe as initially thought
Flickr/trippchicago, File
O’Hare explosion not as severe as initially thought
Flickr/trippchicago, File

O’Hare explosion not as severe as initially thought

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(Flickr/trippchicago, File)

Around 11:40 A.M. Chicago media outlets jumped into high gear on news of an explosion at the airport. ABC 7’s Chuck Goudie tweeted, “BREAKING: Small explosion at #Chicago #OHare airport. Baggage handling area terminal one #United. One injury.”

Before long the ABC 7 website was streaming live helicopter footage of the United terminal at O’Hare in case of further developments. Nothing much seemed to be amiss outside and the incident was downgraded from a “minor explosion” around noon.

At 12:23 the Chicago Fire Department set the record straight. A battery being shipped via United had an accidental discharge and exploded. CFD’s commander sent us this statement:

CFD is at O’Hare Airport  assisting  the Chicago Police Department concerning and (sic) incident in which we believed that a battery being shipped in a container explored (sic) while being handle (sic) by an (sic) united (sic) employee this is believed to be an accidental  discharge. No, (sic, ah forget it) criminal activity  is suspected at this time.  CDA  ( Chicago Department of Aviation will give update on airport status

Fire and  CPD are  inspecting other container, the United Employee has  suffered minor injuries..