Bomb Threat at Peoria Ethanol Plant Forces One-Mile Evacuation as FBI and Bomb Squads Respond
A reported bomb threat at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois, forced evacuations within a one-mile radius on Friday night, November 13, shutting down part of downtown Peoria and a stretch of Interstate 74 while bomb technicians searched the facility. No injuries were reported, and police said the evacuation would remain in place overnight.
What happened at the BioUrja plant
The threat was reported at the plant at 1 Edmund Street, a former ADM ethanol facility on the Illinois River now run by BioUrja Renewables. Peoria police were notified on Friday afternoon and began searching the site.
CBS Chicago, citing WMBD-TV, reported that officers found a suspicious package at or near the plant, and bomb technicians from local, state and federal agencies responded, according to local reports.
On Friday evening, police urged everyone living or working within a one-mile radius to leave immediately. The zone covered part of Peoria’s riverfront and crossed the Illinois River into East Peoria, which issued its own order. Interstate 74 closed in both directions through Peoria, with drivers directed to I-474. Shelters opened at Manual Academy, 811 South Griswold Street in Peoria, and at the EastSide Centre in East Peoria.
Concert canceled as Civic Center evacuated
The threat also disrupted a Friday night concert. The Peoria Civic Center was evacuated, and country singer Jon Pardi canceled his scheduled 7 p.m. Gamblin’ Man Tour performance, coming on stage to tell the waiting crowd in person that the show would not go ahead.
Governor J.B. Pritzker said he was monitoring the situation and had directed the Illinois State Police to coordinate with local authorities. East Peoria Mayor John Kahl called it a credible threat, local media reported.
Why this matters
A one-mile evacuation around an industrial ethanol plant is a major disruption for a mid-sized city, and it closed a key interstate highway on a Friday night. It came on a day of unusual disruption, hours after a nationwide FAA ground stop halted departures nationwide, and in the same week as a highway pile-up in Fujairah that killed 14 people. There is no evidence linking these events.
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Bomb threats at industrial facilities draw a large federal response because of the potential consequences if a device were real. Police have not said how the threat was made or whether it named any target beyond the plant.
Latest developments
As of late Friday night, the evacuation remained in effect and authorities were still searching the facility. Police had not confirmed whether a device had been found, and no arrest had been announced. A further update was expected on Saturday morning, and residents were told to stay away until officials gave the all-clear.
Frequently asked questions
Where did the bomb threat happen?
At the BioUrja Renewables plant, 1 Edmund Street, Peoria, Illinois — a former ADM ethanol plant near the downtown riverfront.
How large was the evacuation zone?
Everyone within a one-mile radius was ordered to leave. The zone covered parts of Peoria and crossed the Illinois River into East Peoria.
Was anyone hurt, and was a device found?
No injuries were reported, and police had not confirmed by late Friday night whether an explosive device had been found. No arrest had been announced.
Is the evacuation still in effect?
Yes. Authorities said it would stay in place overnight, with a further update expected on Saturday morning.
The investigation continues. The next update is expected to confirm whether the plant is safe to re-enter and whether the evacuation order can be lifted.
Sources: Peoria Journal Star; WCBU; WEEK 25 News; CBS Chicago.
