Explosion in Illinois judge's home

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Explosion in Illinois judge's home blows him into nearby field


FLORA, Ill. (AP) - An Illinois judge was critically injured Saturday when a massive explosion destroyed his house, authorities said.

The explosion also damaged several nearby homes and businesses and briefly disrupted electric service in and near Flora.

The blast knocked Clay County Circuit Judge Alan Buck out of his house and into a field, authorities said. He remained conscious and cried out for help when rescue workers arrived.

Buck was treated at a local hospital and later transferred to St. John's Hospital in Springfield, about 160 kilometres northwest, where a nursing supervisor reported the judge's condition as critical. The judge was later transferred to the burn unit at Springfield Memorial Hospital.

Flora Police Chief Rick Perry said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the explosion, which was heard as far as six kilometres away.

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