Bomb alert in the USA! Evacuation decision in two cities

A state of emergency was declared in two cities after a bomb was found in an ethanol factory in Illinois, USA. An evacuation decision was made in some parts of the cities of "Peoria" and "East Peoria". While homes and workplaces approximately 1.6 kilometers around the "BioUrja Renewables" facility were evacuated, security teams launched a large-scale investigation in the area.

BOMB FOUND, EVACUATION STARTED IN TWO CITIES

According to information reported by the New York Times, the incident occurred last night at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol facility in the city of Peoria. Peoria Mayor Rita Ali announced that emergency crews found an object considered a bomb at the facility.

Thereupon, an evacuation decision was made for the area approximately 1.6 kilometers around the facility in Peoria and neighboring East Peoria cities. Homes and businesses were evacuated in the area covering both sides of the Illinois River.

Peoria police stated that the evacuation decision was taken for security purposes and said, "The evacuation decision is being implemented purely as a precaution while police officers and emergency teams investigate the threat."

Police teams launched a comprehensive search and investigation at the facility to determine whether the threat was real.

CRITICAL WARNING FROM THE MAYOR

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali called for residents to evacuate. "This needs to be treated as a credible threat. We are asking everyone within the approximately 1.6 kilometer zone to evacuate," Ali said.

Stating that the extent of the threat is not yet clear, Ali said, "We do not know whether it is a single device or multiple devices." Ali asked people living and working in the area to stay away from the scene for security reasons.

East Peoria Mayor John Kahl also emphasized that the threat should be taken seriously and said, "There is a threat that needs to be taken seriously and the city is taking it seriously."

The Manual Academy building in Peoria was determined as a temporary shelter point for evacuated citizens. Mayor Ali also informed the residents of the area that they could take shelter in the basement of the local high school if necessary.

FEDERAL TEAMS WERE SENT TO THE REGION

Traffic was stopped in parts of Peoria and East Peoria yesterday evening. City, state and federal officials were dispatched to the plant. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) teams also investigated the scene. Illinois State Police closed the surrounding roads to traffic as part of security measures.

Peoria Mayor Ali, in his statement to the local press, said that the object found may have been neutralized, but there is no definitive information on this subject. It was reported that the evacuation order remained in effect on Saturday morning.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and US Representative Darin LaHood also stated that they were following the developments in their statements on their social media accounts and called on citizens to comply with evacuation orders.

FAMOUS SINGER'S CONCERT WAS CANCELED

The bomb threat also affected activities in the city. Jon Pardi, one of the well-known names in country music, canceled his concert planned to be held in Peoria on Friday due to "local security concerns."