Bomb discovered at Illinois ethanol plant leads to one-mile evacuation
Authorities found an explosive device at BioUrja Renewables in Peoria, prompting a one-mile evacuation of parts of Peoria and East Peoria while bomb technicians rendered the device safe.
Police in Peoria, Illinois, ordered the evacuation of a one-mile radius around BioUrja Renewables after a bomb was discovered at the ethanol and alcohol production facility on Friday evening. Mayor Rita Ali confirmed the threat, and police chief Brad Dixon said bomb technicians later made the device safe. Dixon asked residents to remain patient while investigators searched the plant for additional explosives.
The FBI field office in Springfield, represented by Ryan Presley, said agents will pursue the responsible party "tirelessly" and seek to bring them to justice. The evacuation zone includes sections of Peoria and the neighboring city of East Peoria, with the Manual Academy school designated as a temporary shelter. Officials offered assistance to anyone needing help evacuating their homes or businesses.
State Senator Dave Koehler described the incident as serious and not a hoax. The incident occurred amid a chaotic day that also saw a nationwide FAA-ordered ground stop affecting more than 11,000 flights.