Residents evacuated after bomb found at Illinois ethanol plant
Authorities established a one-mile evacuation zone around the BioUrja Renewables facility in Peoria after a credible threat was discovered.
Residents living near an ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, were ordered to evacuate after a bomb was discovered at the BioUrja Renewables facility on Friday afternoon, according to the Times of India.
Bomb technicians rendered the device safe at approximately 9.12 pm local time on Friday. However, a one-mile evacuation zone remained in place on Saturday as law enforcement teams searched the site for evidence and other possible devices.
Peoria Police Chief Brad Dixon stated that the threat is credible and that the blast radius must be taken seriously. Dixon added that authorities are not treating the incident as a hoax.
The FBI has joined the investigation. Special Agent Ryan Pressley said the agency is working to identify the person responsible, though no arrests have been made and no injuries were reported.
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali told WMBD-TV that the plant's operations are a cause for alarm because the facility handles ethanol and highly combustible chemicals. The plant is located along the Illinois River.
The threat resulted in the cancellation of a scheduled concert by country singer Jon Pardi on Friday. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said he is monitoring the situation and has directed state police to coordinate with local authorities.