Aurora Building Exterior Crumbles, Residents Evacuated, Street Closed

Residents of a mixed-use building at 102 and 104 East Galena Boulevard in Aurora, Illinois, were evacuated Saturday evening after bricks and masonry began crumbling and falling onto the street and sidewalk. The Aurora Fire Department declared the building unsound around 7 p.m., prompting the evacuation of all 11 residences. Authorities closed Galena Boulevard between Lincoln and Broadway to ensure public safety while emergency responders assessed the situation. The American Red Cross and victim services were called in to assist displaced residents. Multiple agencies responded promptly, but the cause of the structural damage remains unclear. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area until further notice.