A parcel bomb found in the United States: more than 5,000 people evacuated
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Business Day Nigeria
A parcel containing a bomb was discovered on Friday at a BioUrja Renewables ethanol plant in Peoria, central Illinois, leading to the evacuation of more than 5,000 people within a one-mile radius. Peoria police chief Brad Dixon ruled out a false alarm, the device having been neutralised while the FBI takes part in the investigation, according to Business Day.
In Peoria, Illinois, the discovery on Friday of a parcel containing a bomb at a BioUrja Renewables ethanol plant in the central part of the state led to the evacuation of more than 5,000 people. Local authorities evacuated residents and employees within a one-mile radius, or about 1.6 kilometres, around the site.
Mayor Rita Ali confirmed that the parcel did contain a bomb and described the threat as “credible”. Police chief Brad Dixon ruled out a false alarm, although such threats often prove unfounded in the United States. Investigators are still trying to establish whether other devices were placed at the site.
The FBI has joined the investigation to identify the perpetrator and determine whether other people were involved. No arrests had been made and no injuries were reported on Saturday. The evacuation order remained in force while teams completed the search of the vast industrial complex.
