Suspicious Package Involving Lithium Batteries Explodes at Post Office on North Broadway, Chicago

Chicago police and firefighters responded about 3:50 p.m. Friday March 9, 2018 to a report of a suspicious package at the US Post Office, 4850 North Broadway near Gunnison Street. Firefighters initially examined the package with a meter, and did not detect any explosives or hazardous gases or vapors emitting from the package.

A Level I Hazmat was requested about 3:57 p.m. Friday. Firefighters stood by while post office officials and police investigated the package. Extra firefighters and equipment stood by at Lawrence and Broadway, the Level I Hazmat was secured about 5:20 p.m.

United States Postal Service officials reported that a box exploded inside a post office, and Chicago Fire Department officials reported that the explosion involved a package of lithium batteries. Initially, information was not released regarding whether the explosion occurred before or after firefighters arrived.

Officials said no one was hurt in the explosion inside the post office at North Broadway Street and Gunnison Street. Initially, it was unknown whether the package sent through the mail or dropped off. The USPS Inspection Service, Chicago Police Department and Chicago Fire Department are investigating.

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