A person who was in a vehicle died from an explosion Thursday morning on the Eisenhower Expressway in Hillside, causing a nine hour road closure.
Federal officials did not explain why the explosion occurred or how.
The identity of the person killed, only described as a white male, has not been released by the Cook County medical examiner’s office. The incident happened around 10 a.m.Thursday on Interstate 290 near Mannheim Road in Hillside, authorities said.
An autopsy to determine the cause and manner of his death on Friday was inconclusive, pending further studies, according to the medical examiner’s office.
“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,” said a statement posted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives on X.
“No evidence was found to indicate this was connected to any other event or that any other individuals were involved,” the post said.
During the hours-long road closure, drivers were urged to avoid the area and take alternate routes. All lanes had reopened by 7 p.m. Thursday.