Bridgeview family loses two pickup trucks, but house is saved

This home in the 7400 block of Sholer Avenue in Bridgeview lost an evergreen tree to Monday night’s tornado.

By Steve Metsch

A Bridgeview family in the 7400 block of Roberts Road knows first-hand the damage weather can do.

When high winds hit around 9:30 p.m. Monday as a tornado blew through Justice, a cemetery and then into Bridgeview, two power lines were brought down near their bi-level house.

One line fell in the backyard and caused no harm.

The same can’t be said for the other power line which fell in the driveway between four vehicles. The sparking power line posed great danger and started a fire.

Two passenger cars parked in the driveway received minor damage. But two pickup trucks were destroyed by the fire.

Thankfully, resident Jeanette Jurkovich, 52, said on Wednesday, firefighters from Bridgeview and the Roberts Park Fire Protection District were able to save the house.

“It took ComEd about an hour to turn off power to the line. They kept pouring water on the house to prevent it from being destroyed,” she said.

“It’s disheartening to see your cars burn, but it’s better knowing you still have a roof over your head,” Jurkovich added.

No injuries were suffered by any family members, she said.

However, she feels especially bad for stepson Nick Kenner. The 22-year-old had purchased his pickup truck just two weeks earlier, she said.

She’s hoping his insurance company comes through for Nick as his truck “is totaled.”

“It’s an act of God. Let’s hope they give him what it’s worth,” she said. “I’m just glad the house didn’t go. Cars can eventually be replaced.”

A quick and thorough response by the fire, police and public works departments won praise from Bridgeview Village Trustee Patricia Higginson.

During an uneventful village board meeting Wednesday afternoon, Higginson made a point of discussing the village’s response to the tornado.

“I’ve been a resident of Bridgeview for over 62 years now and I’ve always have been proud of our services. I’m extremely proud today. I want to commend our fire department.

“It was a true disaster,” Higginson said, adding, “My area looks like a war zone.”

“I know everybody’s going to say, ‘That’s their job.’ I understand that. Our departments are well-trained and are second to none. Lives were saved, properties were saved,” Higginson said.

Other trustees weighed in.

Norma Pinion said, “Bridgeview stood out. We were hit and we knew how to take care of it. (The departments) worked together.”

Gary Lewis noted “the public works guys are still out there today, so it’s not done yet. Thanks for the great work.”

After the meeting, Higginson said the neighborhood between 71st and 76th streets, east of Roberts Road, was the hardest hit area in town.

Higginson said it was the worst storm she’s ever seen in Bridgeview. Her neighborhood was without power from Monday night until about 7 p.m. Tuesday, she said.