Bomb found near ethanol plant in central Illinois forces evacuations
A bomb was found near the BioUrja Renewables ethanol facility in Peoria, Illinois, prompting evacuations within a one-mile radius as authorities inspect the site. The device has been rendered safe, but residents remain displaced and shelters are in place while investigators pursue leads. FBI and local police deem the threat credible; no arrests or injuries have been reported. The incident underscores ongoing security concerns around industrial sites, with investigators vowing to identify the responsible party. Authorities urged public patience as the search continues and safety is ensured.
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The discovery occurred Friday afternoon at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol plant along the Illinois River in Peoria, a city of about 110,000 people located roughly 150 miles southwest of Chicago.
Officials stated the bomb was later rendered safe, yet all residents within a 1-mile radius remained under evacuation orders as they conducted a broader sweep of the facility for additional threats or evidence.
Shelters were established for those displaced, and police described the threat as credible, emphasizing the seriousness of assessing the blast radius.
FBI Special Agent Ryan Pressley confirmed the agency is investigating but withheld further details; no arrests have been made and no injuries were reported as of the update.
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali noted the plant handles ethanol and highly combustible chemicals, highlighting why the incident caused alarm and extensive safeguards.
The report references a broader context of recent bomb threats in Europe that led to flight diversions and military escorts, though it clarifies those were malicious hoaxes.
The BioUrja plant was acquired in 2021, and authorities are continuing to search the facility for other bombs and potential evidence as the investigation proceeds.