A ruptured gas line led to a fire that gutted the Blue Island restaurant Maple Tree Inn. Maple Tree Inn first opened in 1975, and became successful for its take on Creole and Cajun food (Fried Green Tomatoes and Crawfish Étouffée were an awesome dinner combo).

The owners say they’re “devastated emotionally,” but add “our team of employees is one of the best ever assembled in our 43 years of business and we will rebuild around them.”

Here's an aerial look at the horrible damage to the Maple Tree Inn restaurant in Blue Island. Thankfully, no one was injured. @WGNMorningNews pic.twitter.com/wPv7k9SsvD

— Sarah Jindra (@SarahJindra) August 24, 2018