Bomb threat forces evacuation of areas around BioUrja Renewables plant in Peoria
Police ordered residents and workers within a one-mile radius of the BioUrja Renewables facility in Peoria, Illinois, to evacuate after a suspicious package prompted a bomb threat investigation.
Police in central Illinois issued a mandatory evacuation for a one-mile radius around the BioUrja Renewables ethanol and alcohol plant in Peoria and the adjacent city of East Peoria. The order, posted on the department’s Facebook page, said officials are conducting a thorough search of the facility to assess the credibility of the threat and protect public safety.
People in the affected zone were directed to seek shelter at Manual Academy, located at 811 S. Griswold St. in Peoria.
East Peoria Mayor John Kahl described the situation as a credible threat and emphasized the city’s serious response. Peoria Mayor Rita Ali echoed the call for evacuation, urging all individuals within the designated area to leave the premises.