On Friday, July 7th, at approximately 2:24am Sterling Police Department, Sterling Fire Department, Rock Falls Fire Department, and CGH EMS responded to a reported structure fire at 406 East 3rd Street, Sterling.
Shortly after 5pm on Tuesday, July 11th, Juan Antonio “Tony” Anaya’s remains were recovered from the scene. Anaya, of Sterling, was age 62. He was transported to CGH for an autopsy.
The City and its partners have a heartfelt commitment to conducting the highest quality investigation to get the best answers for all the victims and their families.
The Investigative Team, consisting of the Sterling Fire Department, Sterling Police Department, Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives National Response Team anticipates they will conclude the on-scene portion of the investigation by the end of the week and turn the scene over to local authorities and ultimately the property owners. The ATF will continue their investigation off-site before releasing their findings.
The Investigative Team is continuing to evaluate the building and have taken some portions down as the investigation allows. The City will use structural engineers to evaluate the neighboring buildings and coordinate with the appropriate insurance companies to repair or demolish all affected structures.
Due to the ongoing investigation, E.3rd Street (Route 2) will remain closed from 1st Avenue to 5th Avenue to avoid traffic disruptions and prevent large trucks from being trapped on E. 3rd due to restricted turning options between 1st Ave and 4th Ave. Local traffic can still access E. 3rd Street businesses on the north-south Avenues from 2nd Street. Truck traffic must access Route 2 via Route 40 and Lynn Boulevard. Barring unforeseen complications, the City anticipates opening at least one lane of Route 2 at the end of the week.
