Five dead in Chicago factory shooting

The gunfire broke out Monday at the Navistar engine plant in Melrose Park, Illinois

MELROSE PARK, Illinois -- At least five people were shot to death at a truck engine factory in suburban Chicago on Monday, officials said.

The shootings occurred at the Navistar International factory in Melrose Park, about 15 miles west of downtown Chicago.

"One of the technicians ran through and said somebody had a gun on our center aisle, which is where we test the engines," employee Michael Kalagian said. "And at first, you know, we didn't believe it. We just thought they were making a joke. But then we heard the shots, and most of us just got up and left as fast as we could and headed out through the exits."

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The Cook County Medical Examiner's office confirmed the death toll Monday afternoon. Hospital officials said at least four others were wounded in the attack.

About 1,400 people work at the plant, which makes diesel engines for medium-sized trucks and school buses. The facility was evacuated shortly after the shootings took place shortly after 10 a.m. (11 a.m. CST).

Gottlieb Memorial Hospital spokeswoman Angi Hatfield said three people were brought to the facility, and one, a 48-year-old man, was pronounced dead on arrival. Another, a 45-year-old man, was in critical condition.

Loyola Medical Center spokeswoman Heidi Diedrich said that facility was treating two others wounded at the Navistar plant. One of those, a 26-year-old man, was in critical condition; the second, a 24-year-old man, was in fair condition.

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Gottlieb Memorial Hospital, Melrose Park, IL 60160
International Truck and Engine Corporation (Navistar)

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