UPDATED: Dormitories cleared after discovery of suspicious package
September 18, 2013
Two Pitt dormitories have been cleared due to the discovery of a suspicious package.
Bruce and Brackenridge halls were cleared by the Pitt Police shortly after the package was discovered at the UPS Store on Forbes Avenue around 6:40 p.m. Pitt Spokesman John Fedele said package contained a number of wires. He declined to provide additional details.
Pitt Vice Chancellor for Communications Ken Service said only about 17 students evacuated from Bruce Hall because the building is undergoing renovations. He said about 200 students evacuated from Brackenridge Hall.
A Pitt emergency notification message sent to students around 7:30 p.m. indicated that the 3900 block of Forbes Avenue has been closed until further notice.
Students were permitted to re-enter the dormitories around 9:35 p.m after it was determined that the package did not contain an explosive device.
Pitt Police officers declined to provide additional information.
Check Pittnews.com periodically for updates from the scene.