Columbus hospital reopens after bag, powder left at entrance; police detain 1

UPDATE @ 10:24 p.m.: A fire crew has secured the bag containing powder left at Mount Carmel West Hospital and police have detained one person, our news partners at WBNS-TV, 10tv.com, report.

The following is a statement from a hospital spokesperson:  “This evening, a suspicious bag was left in the entrance of Souder Avenue at Mount Carmel West. No one was near the bag and/or harmed. The individual who left the bag is detained” by police.

“All patients, visitors and employees are safe,” the spokesperson said in the statement.

INITIAL REPORT

An unknown powder in a plastic grocery bag has touched off a potential hazmat situation at Mount Carmel West Hospital in Columbus, which has prompted fire officials to shut down the emergency room.

Columbus Fire Battalion Chief Steve Martin has told our news partners at WBNS-TV, 10tv.com that someone walked to the hospital before 6:50 p.m. claiming to have a dangerous powder in a plastic grocery bag.

The bomb squad is on scene and is testing the bag and the powder.

The person never entered the hospital and no evacuations have been ordered, Martin told 10tv.com. No injuries have been reported.

We will update this developing report as we learn more.

About the Author