Normal Rivian plant evacuated due to battery fire

Posted on May 31, 2022
An estimate on damages is unknown, and there were no injuries reported. (WJBC File Photo)

NORMAL – A defective battery pack inside Rivian’s auto manufacturing plant created a fire that required an evacuation Saturday morning.

According to a release from the Normal Fire Department, firefighters responded to the plant at about 10:40 AM for reports of a battery pack on fire.

First responders found the pack in a testing area on the southwest side of the plant. Once the fire was out and the battery cooled, firefighters moved the damaged unit outside of the plant and began ventilating the smoke from the building.

An estimate on damages is unknown, and there were no injuries reported. The exact cause of the fire is under investigation.

Heart of Illinois ABC can be reached at [email protected].

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