Chief Operations Officer Derek Johnson, left, and Benton Fire Chief Shane Cockrum
BENTON, Ill. - Several phone towers are being pinged tonight after two bomb threats were called in at Franklin Hospital in Benton.
Benton Fire Chief Shane Cockrum and Derek Johnson, hospital's chief operating officer, held a press conference at the Benton Fire Department at 8 p.m. to give as many details as they could, which included information on the ongoing efforts to find out who called in two bomb threats at the hospital earlier today; local and state authorities are working on that matter this evening.
The first bomb threat, they said, was called in at 5:13 p.m. this evening, Sunday, June 4. A second call came in three minutes later at 5:16 p.m.
There was no indication from either men as to what the caller actually stated.
At 5:19, the Benton Fire Department arrived at the hospital. There were five there as patients, with two in the emergency room. They, along with approximately 20 employees on duty at the time, were evacuated. As well more than 60 clients in Helia Healthcare were also evacuated to St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Benton.
The neighborhood was also sort of evacuated: The Huck's store as well as Dairy Queen were closed down. Neighbors in residences in the area were told they could leave but were advised that they could also shelter in place.
The Secretary of State Bomb Squad with a K9 unit have been called. As soon as the squad does a sweep of the hospital, all can return; it's estimated that it might be as late as 11 p.m. before this can be accomplished.
For those who need hospital care, they were advised as follows: To the west of Benton, folks may go to DuQuoin; to the north, go to Mt. Vernon; to the east, go to Hamilton County in McLeansboro; and to the south, go to Herrin Hospital.
Interestingly, there was no mention of Morthland right there in town.
There was no mention of a fire, which was reported to us initially at 5:55 p.m. from two people at the scene. However, authorities are being sparing with information as you can see; there might be more to come.