SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Four people were treated for non-life-threatening injuries after an explosion tore through a detached garage in the 2100 block of South 12th Street Sunday evening, and investigators say the blast was intentionally set. Local law enforcement arrested a Springfield man in connection with the incident.
First responders among the injured
Springfield police and Springfield Fire Department crews responded to reports of a structure fire at about 9:10 p.m.. When firefighters and officers arrived, they found the detached garage fully involved. Moments later, an explosion occurred inside the structure, injuring multiple people.
According to authorities, the injured included one civilian, two Springfield police officers and one Springfield firefighter. All suffered injuries described by officials as non-life-threatening and were taken to area hospitals for treatment.
Damage to nearby buildings and ongoing investigation
The blast produced damage beyond the garage, affecting several nearby structures. The Springfield Police Department Criminal Investigations Division and the Springfield Fire Department Metro Arson Unit have taken the lead on the probe, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Investigators said the incident remains under active investigation. Authorities have not released additional details about the nature of the explosive device or materials involved.
Arrest and charges
Following the investigation at the scene, investigators arrested Christopher Jackson, 38, of Springfield. He faces multiple felony counts, including:
- Causing a catastrophe
- Aggravated arson
- Residential arson
- Criminal damage to property over $10,000
Those charges were brought by the Springfield Fire Department Metro Arson Unit after its on-scene work with police and federal investigators.
Neighborhood history and public-safety context
Police and fire officials noted that emergency crews had responded to the property numerous times over the past six months for incidents involving illegal burning. Those prior contacts led to citations for observed violations but did not result in criminal charges before Sunday’s explosion.
The series of prior responses underscores ongoing concerns in the neighborhood about hazardous open burning and property safety. City residents who live near the 2100 block of South 12th Street are likely to feel immediate effects from both the physical damage and the increased presence of investigators.
What officials are urging residents to do
While investigators continue to reconstruct the cause and sequence of events, the police department and fire officials typically remind residents to report suspicious activity and any signs of illegal burning or hazardous storage of flammable materials. Rapid reporting helps crews address hazards before they escalate and creates records that can be used in investigations.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Time of call | About 9:10 p.m. Sunday |
| Location | 2100 block of South 12th Street, Springfield |
| Injured | One civilian, two police officers, one firefighter (non-life-threatening) |
| Arrested | Christopher Jackson, 38, Springfield |
| Lead agencies | SPD Criminal Investigations, SFD Metro Arson Unit, ATF |
As the investigation proceeds, the city’s criminal and fire investigators will determine whether additional charges or safety actions are necessary. Neighbors and community groups seeking updates should monitor official Springfield Police Department and Springfield Fire Department releases for verified information.
