The NYPD bomb squad examined a suspicious vehicle that was left running outside Lincoln Hospital overnight. Patients in one section of the hospital were relocated and some nearby apartments were evacuated as a precaution. After two hours, the bomb squad gave the 'all clear.'
An NYPD spokesman said there was initial concern because there were "24 pipe-like devices" inside the minivan that was parked, but was still running. Some objects appeared to be "connected by wires to the cigarette lighter", the spokesman said.
Officials stressed that the information was preliminary and the search was only a precaution.
The unoccupied 1998 Dodge Caravan was parked about 50 yards from Lincoln Hospital's entrance. The engine had been running for four hours, police said.
The front entrance of the hospital was closed.
The bomb squad had the area cordoned off and used a robot to blow out windows to get a better look inside.
The vehicle was not reported stolen and the NYPD was seeking to question the registered owner.
It appears some of the pipes were made of glass with a dark, protective covering. It is unclear what the pipes were for or why the van was left idling in front of the hospital for so many hours. It was later towed.
After the “all clear,” residents returned to their homes.
