Bomb Threat at Peoria Ethanol Plant Triggers Mass Evacuations Across Two Illinois Cities

PEORIA, Ill. — Authorities ordered widespread evacuations across portions of Peoria and East Peoria Friday evening, November 13, following a reported bomb threat at the BioUrja Renewables ethanol production facility near downtown Peoria.

The emergency prompted police to establish a one-mile evacuation zone surrounding the industrial plant at 1 Edmund Street, formerly operated by Archer Daniels Midland (ADM). Residents, employees and businesses within the affected area were instructed to leave immediately while emergency personnel investigated the threat.

The Peoria Police Department confirmed that officers were actively investigating the reported bomb threat and conducting a search of the facility to determine whether the threat was credible.

Police described the evacuation as a precautionary measure intended to protect the public while investigators assessed the situation. Authorities also urged motorists and pedestrians to avoid the surrounding area, where numerous streets were closed.

The evacuation zone extends beyond the immediate industrial property, affecting portions of downtown Peoria, the Warehouse District, the city’s South Side and neighborhoods across the Illinois River in East Peoria.

East Peoria officials issued their own evacuation instructions and released a map identifying affected neighborhoods on both sides of the river. Residents within the designated area were directed to evacuate immediately.

East Peoria Mayor John Kahl acknowledged the seriousness of the situation, describing the threat as credible and emphasizing that city officials were taking the emergency seriously.

Peoria Mayor Rita Ali similarly urged residents to comply with evacuation instructions, stressing that the reported threat needed to be treated as credible while investigators worked to establish the facts.

The emergency also caused significant transportation disruptions throughout the area. Illinois State Police confirmed that multiple Interstate 74 ramps leading into Peoria were closed, with troopers assisting local authorities in controlling traffic.

The evacuation affected major employers and industrial facilities near the Illinois River.

Caterpillar instructed employees scheduled for Friday night’s third shift not to report to work because of the emergency. The company advised workers to follow guidance from local law enforcement.

OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center, one of downtown Peoria’s largest employers, also acknowledged the developing situation. Hospital officials said precautions were being taken to protect patients, visitors and employees while maintaining coordination with local authorities.

Emergency shelters were established for displaced residents. Those evacuating in Peoria were directed to Manual Academy, located at 811 South Griswold Street. East Peoria residents were directed to EastSide Centre at 1 EastSide Drive.

The facility at the center of the investigation is operated by BioUrja Renewables, which acquired the former ADM ethanol plant following a sale announced in 2021. The industrial site produces fuel ethanol and high-purity alcohol used in industrial and beverage applications.

The nature of the alleged bomb threat remains under investigation.

CBS Chicago, citing local reporting from WMBD, indicated that a suspicious package at or near the facility may have prompted the emergency response. However, Peoria Police had not publicly confirmed the discovery of an explosive device in their initial statement.

Authorities had also not identified a suspect, announced an arrest or disclosed how the reported threat was communicated.

U.S. Representative Darin LaHood, whose congressional district includes Peoria, said his office was monitoring the emergency and encouraged residents to follow instructions from local law enforcement.

As of the latest reports reviewed Friday evening, authorities had not announced an official all-clear or confirmed when displaced residents would be permitted to return to their homes and businesses.

Residents in the affected area are urged to remain outside the evacuation zone until authorities formally announce that it is safe to return.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Reporting verified against Peoria Police statements carried by 25News Now and CBS Chicago. https://www.25newsnow.com +1