A package discovered at Victoria General Hospital Tuesday morning looked suspicious but wasn’t explosive, RCMP confirmed.
West Shore RCMP were called on May 4 around 10 a.m. after staff noticed a small package, wrapped in electrical tape with wires coming out of it, left near the COVID-19 testing tent. Police secured the scene and an explosives trained police service dog was also on site. The RCMP explosives disposal unit came from Vancouver and gave the all clear around 3 p.m.
A Black Press Media reporter at the scene said explosives unit members did not wear extra protective gear as they took the device apart just before 1:30 p.m.
RCMP Explosives unit are taking the device apart where it is instead of removing it. They are not suiting up in extra protective gear. #yyj
— Zoë Ducklow (@zoeducklow) May 4, 2021
Island Health said hospital operations were not impacted, with one entrance cordoned off by police and a handful of administrative staff evacuated.
Police asked people to avoid the south side of the hospital and to use the north entrance (next to the emergency department) earlier in the day.
View Royal Fire Rescue on scene supporting West Shore RCMP at Victoria General Hospital where a suspicious package is being dealt with. pic.twitter.com/GDrQY4Gso7
— Zoë Ducklow (@zoeducklow) May 4, 2021
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