I 290 explosion: Jorge Vaca, Cicero, Illinois man, died near Mannheim Road in incident that left Eisenhower Expressway shut down
WESTCHESTER, Ill. (WLS) — Officials have identified the man who died in an explosion that shut down Interstate 290 in the west suburbs for hours on Thursday.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the man as 47-year-old Jorge Vaca, of Cicero.
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Federal officials said the incident that happened around 10 a.m. Thursday near Mannheim Road was not connected to any other event that day.
Officials do not believe anyone else was involved.
“We recognize the significant public interest generated by the law enforcement response and roadway closures. The involvement of highly specialized federal, state, and local resources was necessary to safely process the scene and ensure public safety. We are grateful to the public for their patience and cooperation as the matter was ongoing,” federal officials said.
I-290 was shut down for nearly nine hours Thursday during the investigation.
Chopper 7 flew above the scene as 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.
On 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.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Drug Enforcement Administration Chicago Field Division were also involved in the investigation.
Federal officials said there is no known threat to public safety.
Full statement from federal officials:
“Following a coordinated investigation led by the FBI and ATF with instrumental support from a number of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and emergency responders, investigators have determined that the June 4, 2026, incident on I-290 near Mannheim Road was an explosion that resulted in the death of one individual. No evidence was found to indicate this was connected to any other event or that any other individuals were involved.
Additional details regarding the identity of the decedent and manner of death will be released by the Cook County Medical Examiner.
We recognize the significant public interest generated by the law enforcement response and roadway closures. The involvement of highly specialized federal, state, and local resources was necessary to safely process the scene and ensure public safety. We are grateful to the public for their patience and cooperation as the matter was ongoing.
Additional details will be released, as appropriate.”
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