An explosion occurred at a chemical manufacturing plant in LaSalle, IL early on Jan. 11, 2023, causing a massive fire and the release of at least one dangerous substance into the environment. Carus, a global supplier of products used for air purification, soil remediation, and the treatment of water and wastewater, says that the explosion occurred in a shipping container that was located at the facility. It is currently unclear what was inside the shipping container at the time of the explosion.

Nearby residents reported hearing multiple loud explosions as black smoke began to fill the air. Local authorities issued a shelter in place order, affecting people in their homes, at work, and at the nearby LaSalle-Peru Township High School.