Mass evacuations after bomb found at Illinois ethanol plant
Authorities have evacuated residents within a 1-mile radius as the FBI investigates the credible explosive threat.
Quick Look
- A bomb was discovered at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, on Friday.
- Authorities have evacuated residents within a 1-mile radius while the FBI investigates the site.
- No injuries have been reported and no arrests have been made.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
The BioUrja facility handles ethanol and highly combustible chemicals. It is located along the Illinois River and was acquired by the company in 2021.
A bomb was found near an ethanol plant, sparking evacuations of those who live near the industrial site as law enforcement officials investigate the explosive device.
Authorities confirmed the bomb was found Friday afternoon at the BioUrja Renewables facility in Peoria, central Illinois.
While officials say the device has since been “rendered safe,” as of Saturday morning, all residents within a 1-mile radius remained under an evacuation notice as officials continued to search the facility for any other bombs and evidence.
Meanwhile, shelters have been set up for those displaced by the threat, authorities said.
“This is a credible threat,” Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon told reporters just after midnight Saturday. “We need to take the blast radius seriously.”
FBI Special Agent Ryan Pressley said his agency was investigating, but declined to provide further details.
“We will work tirelessly to identify the individual responsible and bring them to justice,” he said.
No arrests have been made at this time and no injuries have been reported.
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali told WMBD-TV on Friday that BioUrja is “a plant that has ethanol and highly combustible types of chemicals, and so that’s what alarms us.”
It's not unusual for law enforcement to receive bomb threats and suspicious package calls, but they often don't result in a credible threat even though such calls are taken seriously by officials who must assess and investigate the claims.
Just earlier this week, hundreds of airline passengers in Europe had their flights diverted or given military escorts after a series of bomb threats that officials have since declared were malicious hoaxes.
“We understand that this is a disruptive process for our residents and guests,” said Dixon. “We’re asking for the public’s patience while we work to make this area safe.”
Peoria, with a population of around 110,000, is located about 150 miles (about 240 kilometers) southwest of Chicago.
The BioUrja plant is located along the Illinois River. The company acquired the ethanol plant in 2021.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
FBI to continue investigation of the facility.
Very likely · Within days
Open Questions
- Who is responsible for the device?
- Are there other explosive devices on the premises?
- When will the evacuation order be lifted?
