RAPATEE -- Two people are dead after a house exploded in the small community of Rapatee.
Fulton County ESDA said crews responded to North St. at Illinois Route 97 near the tiny Knox County town after a report of a house explosion. Two people were killed in the explosion. There are no other reported injuries.
The names of the people killed are being withheld pending family notification.
Fulton County ESDA said the house is supplied by a propane tank. There are no natural gas lines in the area.
Illinois Route 97 is expected to be closed at Rapatee until Monday. The explosion was reported around 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Ameren is working to restore power to Rapatee after the explosion knocked out power lines and scattered debris. The Illinois State Fire Marshal is currently on the scene investigating.
Rapatee is about 5 miles east of London Mills, just north of the Fulton County line.
Responding agencies include Fairview Fire Protection District, Knox County Sheriff's Office, Fulton County Sheriff's Office, Illinois State Police, Maquon Fire Department, London Mills Fire Department, Farmington Fire Department, Farmington Police Department, Galesburg Hospital Association, Ameren, and Fulton County ESDA.