An alarming discovery at UPMC Mercy Pavilion led to a swift response from hazmat units this morning after a package containing a powdery substance was found in an office. WPXI reported that the questionable package, accompanied by a threatening note, was spotted by an employee, who then alerted authorities around 9 a.m.
While the entrance to the Mercy Pavilion was temporarily closed and some floors evacuated, a spokesperson for UPMC later confirmed that the substance was merely flour, according to WTAE, which also documented the presence of fire trucks and EMS vehicles lining the scene on Locust Street. Despite the initial concern, normal operations at the hospital resumed fairly quickly and with relief following the benign determination of the substance.
Further details revealed by Pittsburgh Public Safety officials indicated that the material had been delivered via an envelope to the hospital's office; upon being inadvertently released by someone in the office setting, fears were raised, prompting the emergency response. The incident, complete with the accompanying "threatening note," is currently under investigation by the UPMC police.
