Suspicious package at factory causes mass evacuation of residents of two cities

Police in Peoria, Illinois have ordered the evacuation of large parts of the city and neighboring East Peoria. The reason was the threat of an explosion at the plant for the production of ethanol and alcohol BioUrja Renewables. This was reported by CBS News.

Everyone who lives or works within a mile of the business must be evacuated. The order is valid until further notice. Police said the decision was made out of precaution while emergency services investigate the threat.

Law enforcement officers are in place. They conduct a thorough search of the plant to establish the credibility of the threat and ensure the safety of people. According to WMBD-TV, the reason for the evacuation was a suspicious package found on or near the BioUrja plant.