Rhode Island Department of Health evacuated after receiving suspicious package

By: News Staff

news@abc6.,com

Providence, R.I. — The Rhode Island Department of Health (DOH) was evacuated Thursday afternoon after receiving an envelope with suspicious contents.

The Hazmat team responded to the scene all suited up to go inside the DOH to investigate a suspicious substance that was found in an envelope.

According to officials at the Department of Health, one of their employees received a piece of mail Thursday morning with liquid substance inside.

After DOH supervisors were alerted, they contacted state police and Providence Fire Department and the Hazmat team. They evacuated the building for safety as the Hazmat team prepared to clear the area.

At this point, officials are not overly concerned, but going along with the sentiment, its better to be safe than sorry.

“We get a lot of pieces of mail. its not unusual for us to get some mail with something strange inside and so while its not a major cause for concern, out of an abundance of caution we wanted to reach out to all the proper authorities so it gets look at as it should,” said Joseph Wendelken; RI Health spokesperson.

The Hazmat team has been on the scene for about an hour and no time estimate as been provided as to when the building will be cleared or when employees will be allowed back inside.

©WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016