Governor Pritzker surveys storm damage at Apollo Theatre

ROCKFORD, Unwell. (WIFR) – Gov. J.B. Pritzker together with different authorities officers go to the Apollo Theatre off of State Avenue in Belvidere Sunday to evaluate the harm after Friday’s roof collapse incident.

Pritzker points a catastrophe proclamation for storm impacted communities, which embrace fast help to Boone County. Pritzker says he additionally contacted Homeland Safety in Washington D.C looking for federal support.

“The folks of Illinois know that when others are hurting, neighbors present up for one another to assist to alleviate the struggling,” Pritzker mentioned.

On Sunday, Pritzker, The Illinois Emergency Administration Company and different Illinois authorities officers ship their deep condolences to everybody concerned within the Apollo Theatre tragedy.

“I hope that you simply’ll all be a part of me in silence and prayer for the injured who face a protracted street to restoration and for the deceased, Fred Livingston Jr. and his family members,” Pritzker mentioned.

Pritzker says he is filled with gratitude for everybody who went above and past to assist those that had been trapped underneath the roof particles.

As your governor, I actually couldn’t be extra proud,” Pritzker mentioned.

Leaders off the IEMA applaud the primary responders on how shortly they arrived on scene.

“If it wasn’t for the quick and coordinated efforts from Friday evening, we’d have seen a extra tragic consequence,” IEMA director Alicia Tate-Nadeau mentioned.

Belvidere mayor Clint Morris says crews are working arduous to avoid wasting each a part of the Apollo Theatre as attainable.

“My intention is to have this efficiently reopen,” mayor Morris mentioned.

Boone County chairperson Rodney Riley says when his household was taking shelter of their basement, they heard an unimaginable noise, which is what led Riley to go to downtown Belvidere.

“Once you see, you understand, those that, you understand, are injured and also you see the primary responders working very arduous to assist injured folks and getting them to security, it takes you again, it’s nonetheless powerful to see,” Riley mentioned.

The IEMA says assessing the storm harm all through the state will take between 42 to 72 hours.

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