West Side funeral home damaged by fire, investigation underway

CHICAGO — Chicago firefighters are working to determine why a West Side funeral home went up in flames early Wednesday morning.

Despite no reports of injuries, the blaze at the Corbin Colonial Funeral Chapel, which has served the West Side for decades, is a blow to community members and beyond.

“This is terrible,” said Sally Young, who told WGN News she was shocked to see the torched aftermath at an establishment that had been serving grieving families for years.

MORE FROM WGN’S JULIAN CREWS: Palestinian-owned cafe in Chicago targeted in what owner suspects was a hate crime

“They serviced several members of my family. Friends. Loved ones.”

Fire crews responding to 5346 West Madison shortly after 5 a.m. found the funeral chapel engulfed in flames. While Andre Hubbard told WGN News he was grateful no one was hurt, he added that the damage pained him.

“It was very devastating to see all the glass and emergency trucks,” Hubbard said. “They were very good neighbors, so I just hope they are able to rebuild and get back.”

The blaze inconvenienced Sheree Bell after she drove from Park Forest, frustrated she couldn’t get her husband’s death certificate.

“I’ve been waiting on this death certificate for the longest,” Bell said.

Spokespeople for CFD said that based on forensic testing, they are handing the investigation off to Chicago police for a possible criminal investigation.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.