Memorial Service Honors Chicago FFs Killed in '68 Blast

Feb. 8, 2018
The 1968 explosion at Mickelberry Sausage Company claimed the lives of four firefighters and five civilians.

Firefighters and family members gathered on a snow-covered lot Wednesday morning to remember four firefighters killed in a 1968 explosion.

Capt. John Fischer and firefighters Charles Bottger, Edward Leifker and Thomas Collins where killed in the Feb. 7, 1968 explosion at the Mickelberry Sausage Company at 49th Place and Halstead Street. 

A gasoline tanker was pulling away from a delivery when the valves were ripped off the truck. The leaking fuel was ignited by the furnace when the fire was reported.

Firefighters from Engine 50, Truck 18 and Battalion responded from their station less than two blocks away when Battalion Chief Jim Hughes called for a full box assignment.

Shortly after the third alarm was called, an explosion rocked the building resulting in the deaths of four firefighters, five civilians and left 77 others injured.

Members of Engine 50, Truck 18 and Ambulance 1 set up the memorial service that was attended by family members and included artwork of a firefighter kneeling with four crosses.

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