A 64-year-old man died Thursday night from injuries he suffered in an explosion at an Oak Park building where he lived, officials said.
The Cook County medical examiner’s office identified the victim as David Rechs of 221 S. Maple Ave. He was pronounced dead shortly before 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, officials said.
A fire broke out at an apartment building in Oak Park Wednesday and left Rechs in critical condition at Loyola where he was pronounced dead Thursday night. Officials said the fire displaced about a dozen residents, and could have been caused by a natural gas explosion.
The building contained six units. Over the weekend, the residents were scheduled to be escorted by the Oak Park Fire Department to retrieve some of their belongings. It was not clear Tuesday if and when the residents would be able to return.
An investigation conducted by state and local fire officials determined a smoke explosion started on the inside of the building and caused a fire.
Rechs’ cause of death was pending, according to the medical examiner’s office.
