Gas Line Explodes at Illinois Factory Killing 1

BELVIDERE, Ill. – Flying debris from an explosion at a northern Illinois technology plant killed a man nearly a quarter of a mile away.

Illinois Tollway spokeswoman Joelle McGinnis says the man died Monday after being hit by debris. The victim was a customer at a toll road oasis on Interstate 90, which has several restaurants and a gasoline station. McGinnis says Illinois State Police are trying to contact the man's family.

Police in Belvidere, Ill., say a gas line exploded Monday afternoon at the NKD America plant, which makes synthetic crystals for computers.

Residents of the community of about 20,000 reported hearing a loud boom and feeling the ground shake as if there were a minor earthquake. Belvidere is located about 70 miles northwest of Chicago.