Part of the Eisenhower Expressway in Cook County Thursday was shut down in both directions in the western suburbs for miles as police and bomb technicians investigate an “active incident,” with traffic diverted and video showing the expressway cleared of cars as police stand by.
According to the Illinois State Police, the incident began about 10:05 a.m. in Westchester on I-290 westbound near Mannheim, with ISP requesting assistance from multiple local agencies.
Sky5 reporter Mike Lorber reported ISP called the incident an “explosion” multiple times in their dispatches.
As of 11:30 a.m., I-290 eastbound and westbound lanes were closed at Mannheim. Mannheim Road over I-290 was also closed, along with I-88 eastbound to the Tri-State Tollway near Oakbrook, ISP said.
“Motorists are asked to avoid the area and seek an alternative route,” ISP said. “Extended closures are expected”.
The Village of Westchester said in a statement local police were assisting at the request of ISP, with Westchester Boulevard closed at Kitchener Avenue.
The village said there was no threat to the area.
“We appreciate your patience and cooperation as emergency personnel work to manage the situation safely,” the village said.
Photos and video captured by Sky5 show a complete closure of the highway at Mannheim in both directions. Mannheim ramps were also closed, with state police, local police and first responders on scene.
Law enforcement vehicles could also be seen blocking the road. A vehicle that appeared to be involved could be seen, with first responders and law enforcement staying far away.
Lanes were closed on both the outbound side, between 25th Avenue and Wolf Road, and the inbound side, between the I-294 Tri-State Tollway and Mannheim.
The sunroof and windows of the car were blown out, Lorber said, and airbags had been deployed. Bomb technicians could also be seen searching the car, with the Cook County Bomb and Arson Squad setting up on the east side of the expressway.
Major backups and delays were in both directions, with traffic at a complete standstill. Some drivers got out of their cars to try and see what was blocking the road up ahead.
No further details were provided. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
