An Illinois highway was shut down in both directions on Thursday as bomb technicians and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives investigated a vehicle parked on the road. 

The highway was closed at approximately 10 am until 6:55 pm. According to authorities, a person was found dead inside the vehicle, which was surrounded by shell casings, according to CBS. Authorities have not released the cause of death.

Initially, the vehicle was seen on the Eisenhower Expressway in Cook County. Illinois State Police reportedly called in an “explosion.”

Video from the sky shows law enforcement officers, including one in a bomb suit, investigating the car.

Via Fox 32:

Another clip shows the traffic backup on the highway with bystanders exiting their vehicles.

The car can be seen with its sunroof and windows blown out and airbags deployed.

Via ABC 7:

Per NBC:

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”.

This is a developing story. 

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