Check welfare call leads to fire and two bodies

Mercer County Sheriff's Department investigator Jeff Dale said a house fire in rural Mercer County is still under investigation by the Mercer County Sheriff's department, with assistance from the Illinois State Police. The state fire marshall is also investigating what caused a fire that eventually led to discovering two bodies.

"Two bodies were removed from the house" which were sent to Peoria for autopsies. "We won't know who they are until the autopsy is revealed," said Dale. He expects a report later today.

Dale said Mercer County received a "check welfare" call at 1275 200th St., Aledo, located about one mile east of the Mercer County airport. "The call came in at 3:28 p.m.," he said. "First arrival was 3:38 p.m. Then the Aledo Fire Department was called," he added. "Within minutes the house was totally engulfed."

While the cause of the fire and deaths are still under investigation, Dale said he believed the fire started in the lower level of the house.