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Bomb Squad searches Newcastle Provincial Hospital
The threat of an explosive forced the evacuation of the Newcastle Provincial Hospital this morning.
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NEWCASTLE CENTRAL – A bomb threat forced the evacuation of staff and patients at the Newcastle Provincial Hospital this morning.
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Traffic officials closed access to Hospital Street, shortly after Fire Department and SAPS specialists arrived at the facility.
Patients and medical staff gathered opposite the road, fearing the worst.
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However, explained hospital spokesman, Sabelo Buthelezi, “There was a suspicious package found, but it was a drill. We held the bomb drill to determine how our staff would respond, and to ensure that if something were to happen, they would be adequately trained to care for the patients,” he said.