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Car Crash Causes Natural Gas Explosion in Mt. Vernon

A Mount Vernon man is behind bars – facing charges in connection to a fire that shut down parts of Veterans Memorial Drive Tuesday morning.

Police say they were called to an apartment complex at 3410 Veterans just before 2:30am to reports a vehicle had just struck the building.

When they arrived, police and firefighters noticed a natural gas smell, and began an evacuation. During that evacuation, an explosion rocked the building, and one firefighter was hurt.

People
Credit Mt. Vernon Police (Facebook)
James K. Scroggins

Police say 30-year old James K Scroggins was arrested on suspicion of Aggravated DUI, DUI, Failure to Reduce Speed, and Improper Lane Usage.

Thirty-one residents are displaced as a result of the fire. Aside from the firefighter – who was treated and released from the hospital – no one was injured.

Jennifer Fuller joined Capitol News Illinois in July 2023 as the organization’s broadcast director. She will oversee the launch and operations of CNI’s new broadcast division.

Contact Jennifer Fuller at jfuller@capitolnewsillinois.com
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