A death investigation shut down lanes on Interstate 290 for almost nine hours Thursday in Chicago’s west suburbs.
The investigation blocked lanes in both directions between 25th Avenue and Wolf Road, starting at around 10 a.m.
All lanes reopened around 7 p.m., Illinois State Police said.
A Volkswagen SUV in a middle lane sat with its windows blown out. A bomb squad unit from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office with guns drawn appeared to investigate the SUV.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office said a man died in the incident; although, it’s not clear what happened.
Thursday afternoon an evidence tent was erected around the SUV. Evidence markers were also strewn across the highway, as local and federal agents descended on the scene.
Just before 6 p.m., the car involved was towed away.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to the scene.
The FBI is also investigating, saying there is no known threat to public safety.
And the Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division is involved in the investigation.
Illinois State Police said they were investigating between Mannheim Road and Interstate 294.
There was a massive backup on the highway, but some vehicles were able to turn around and re-route.
“Everybody was just getting off the next exit because it was bad, really bad,” Luis Castro said.
Alternate routes included Roosevelt Road, 31st Street and Cermak Avenue. The public was asked to avoid the area during the extended closures.
Other than the one man who was confirmed dead, there were no reports of anyone else being injured.
Authorities continue to investigate.
