SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Nov. 15, 2022 (Gephardt Daily) — An unattended backpack found in a bathroom Tuesday triggered a bomb scare at University of Utah Hospital.
Police say the potential bomb threat began about 4:10 p.m. when an unattended bag was discovered in one of the restrooms inside the hospital at 50 N. Medical Drive. A University of Utah bomb-sniffing dog indicated the backpack contained a possible hazard.
The Salt Lake City Police Department’s Hazardous Devices Unit used X-ray technology and confirmed about 6:45 p.m. that the backpack posed no threat, police said.
“At this point, we are still in the process of determining how that bag ended up there,” Salt Lake City police spokesman Brent Weisberg said.
“Based on the information that we have so far, it does not appear that there was any type of threat associated with the backpack being left there. It does appear that the backpack was left there likely by someone who didn’t realize the … level of concern that would then ensue with that,” Weisberg said.
A hospital spokesman said some patients and hospital staff were moved to “safer locations” in the building during the investigation.
The threat closed 100 South and Mario Capecchi Drive in front of the hospital until about 8:15 p.m., but most operations inside the hospital were able to continue, said Paul Gadd, University of Utah Health spokesman.
“[We’re] obviously very happy to report that things are OK,” Gadd said. “As a hospital system, when a situation like this happens, it is not an easy process, but first and foremost, our focus is to preserve the safety of patients and our team members.”
The University of Utah police and Salt Lake City fire departments also assisted with the investigation. No injuries were reported.
“It is a good reminder for anybody out there that it’s never wise to leave a bag unattended,” Weisberg said. “Just like if you’re going to be going to the airport, it is always a good reminder to make sure that you keep possession of your belongings.”
Dan Lundergan, University of Utah Hospitals and Clinics chief executive officer, said the incident “was handled confidently and effectively by staff and by our law enforcement partners.”
“We train for incidents like these routinely and this training really showed though this evening because everyone knew their roles and worked together seamlessly. The safety of our patients and team members is our priority and they were front and center in all of our decision-making this evening,” Lundergan said in a statement.
“I’m relieved this resolved without incident and I’m incredibly grateful to our teams, to our law enforcement partners, and to all those involved in supporting our hospital this evening. I’d also like to thank our partner hospital systems who stood by, ready to assist us as needed. We continue to prove that we’re at our best during trying times.”
