Peoria and East Peoria Evacuated After Bomb Discovered at Ethanol Plant

Parts of the Peoria community in Illinois were ordered to evacuate on Friday after local authorities confirmed the discovery of a bomb at a major ethanol and alcohol production facility. The incident, which took place at BioUrja Renewables, prompted a mandatory evacuation zone covering a one-mile radius. This area included sections of Peoria as well as the neighboring municipality of East Peoria.

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali addressed the public to confirm the severity of the situation. Speaking to local news outlet WMBD, Ali stated that the threat was genuine. She told residents, 'It is real. This is a real thing. We know that is a real threat. We know it is a bomb.'

The Peoria Police Department first announced the investigation at approximately 7:05 p.m. local time on Friday. Officers reported that they were actively looking into a reported bomb threat at the facility. The police urged anyone living or working within the designated one-mile radius to leave their homes and businesses immediately until further notice. Officials described the initial find as a suspicious package, and the evacuation order was issued out of an abundance of caution while emergency personnel conducted their investigation.

To assist displaced residents, the city made Manual Academy school available as a temporary shelter. Police also advised that anyone requiring help with the evacuation process could call for assistance. In a separate statement, the East Peoria municipal government acknowledged that the evacuation zone extended into its borders. The city indicated that it expected to provide an update around 9:00 a.m. local time on Saturday, but all evacuations remained in effect in the interim.

By early Saturday morning, Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon held a news conference to update the public. Dixon announced that bomb technicians had successfully rendered the object safe. However, he asked residents to remain patient as investigators continued to search the expansive BioUrja Renewables facility for any other potential explosive devices. Mayor Ali added that officials did not yet know if additional devices were present.

Illinois State Senator Dave Koehler also spoke during the Saturday news conference, emphasizing the gravity of the event. He told the crowd, 'This is not a hoax. This has gone beyond that. This is serious.'

The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also joined the investigation. Ryan Presley, who heads the FBI field office in Springfield, Illinois, located about an hour from the scene, stated that agents would pursue those responsible tirelessly. He expressed the bureau's commitment to bringing the individuals behind the threat to justice.

The bomb discovery occurred during an already chaotic day across the United States. A nationwide ground stop ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration was in effect for approximately four hours, resulting in more than 11,000 flights being canceled or delayed. Additionally, tensions were high due to an incident in New Orleans where a tanker struck a cruise ship docked on the Mississippi River on Friday afternoon.

In the New Orleans incident, the cruise ship turned on its side, forcing first responders to rescue passengers from the water. More than 30 injuries were reported, though none were considered critical. No fatalities were reported in association with that crash.