CHICAGO AID: Anonymous donor pays for accommodation for 70 homeless people after weather drops to -20°

AS the American Midwest is struck by extreme temperature drops, an anonymous donor has reportedly paid for hotel rooms for around 70 homeless people, who were camping in tents in Chicago.

Numerous deaths and injuries have been reported as a ‘polar vortex’ continues to hit the region, with temperatures dropping up to minus 20 degrees in Illinois’ Chicago.

The homeless group had reportedly set up camp near the Dan Ryan Expressway using propane tanks to keep them warm in the sub-zero temperatures.

However, the tanks were later confiscated by the Chicago Fire Department, after one of the heaters exploded.

According to local Chicago press, the anonymous individual decided to put up the large group of men and women in area hotels during the life-threating weather.

“Isn’t that wonderful? At least they’re warm and they’re safe,” a spokesperson for the Salvation Army told Chicago press. “Some wonderful citizen is going to put them up at a hotel for the rest of the week.”

The Chicago Fire Department has issued a statement on Twitter warning people about the danger of propane tanks.

During extreme cold weather, we understand that people want to help our homeless population. However, we ask that under no circumstance should you donate propane tanks which are potential fire hazards. Propane tanks can cause potential fires and explosions.

— Chicago Fire Media (@CFDMedia) January 30, 2019