# Panic as active bomb forces urgent evacuation of Illinois city

> Active bomb at Illinois ethanol plant triggers emergency evacuation with safety concerns.
- Title: Panic as active bomb forces urgent evacuation of Illinois city
- Summary: Active bomb at Illinois ethanol plant triggers emergency evacuation with safety concerns.
- Keywords: breaking, peoria, illinois, biourja renewables, active bomb, evacuation, safety concerns, mayor rita ali, congressman eric sorensen, state senator david koehler, illinois river, Dailymail
- Source: Dailymail — https://dailymail.com/news/article-16292063/Panic-active-bomb-forces-urgent-evacuation-Illinois-city-official-says-guarantee-safety.html?ito=1490&ns_campaign=1490&ns_mchannel=rss
- Published: 2026-11-14T06:16:04+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: breaking, peoria, illinois, biourja renewables, active bomb, evacuation, safety concerns, mayor rita ali, congressman eric sorensen, state senator david koehler, illinois river, news
## Active bomb found
An active bomb was discovered at a BioUrja Renewables ethanol plant in Peoria, Illinois.

> It is real. This is a real thing. We know that it is a real threat. We know it is a bomb.
## Urgent evacuation ordered
Peoria Mayor Rita Ali confirmed the bomb threat and called it a 'real threat' urging immediate evacuation.

> We know that it is a real threat. We know it is a bomb.
## Safety concerns
Congressman Eric Sorensen warned residents that city safety could not be guaranteed.

> You need to stay safe because we cannot guarantee the safety of the city of Peoria.
## State support
State Senator David Koehler urged immediate evacuation from the 1-mile radius.

> Get out of the area tonight. We'll see what comes tomorrow but get out of the area tonight.
## Evacuation zone
The Illinois River and bridges were shut down for the 1-mile evacuation zone.

> The Illinois River was also shut down while the mayor urged people to leave the 1-mile evacuation zone.
## Local officials
City officials urged residents to treat the bomb threat as legitimate and serious.

> As an elected official, serving on the Peoria City Council, I am telling you that this IS credible!! This is not the time for nonsense.
## Emergency response
FBI, US Coast Guard, and Homeland Security arrived to assist with the bomb threat.

> I am actively monitoring the bomb threat in Peoria, and I have directed the Illinois State Police to coordinate with local authorities.
## Evacuation status
Evacuations would stay in effect until at least 9am Saturday.

> A statement from the city of East Peoria claimed that evacuations would stay in effect until at least 9am Saturday.
## Infrastructure impact
Interstate 74 was shut down in both directions through the city.

> We are assisting Peoria PD with this threat. Please stay away from downtown Peoria and the riverfront area of East Peoria. I-74 is shutdown both ways through the city of Peoria.
## Business impact
Multiple local businesses closed down in response to the emergency.

> Multiple local businesses closed down in response to the emergency.
## Key takeaway

Peoria, Illinois officials confirm an active bomb at a BioUrja Renewables plant forced urgent evacuation with no guarantee of safety.