New York’s Grand Central Terminal Evacuated Over Hazmat Investigation

A New York City police cruiser in a file photo. Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images

Multiple emergency crews responded to a series of suspicious packages at Grand Central Station in New York on Tuesday afternoon that were leaking an unknown substance.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) ushered commuters from a portion of the concourse level out of the station just after 2 p.m.

It comes after police found what they said appeared to be five Molotov cocktails placed in front of a police information desk at the concourse level. They were responding to a 911 report.

A photo posted online of the five bottles showed they were spaced evenly apart and were surrounding the desk.

MTA Communications Director Tim Minton said the evacuation was done “out of an abundance of caution.”

In a statement, he said the objects were found around 2:06 p.m. The MTAPD, NYPD, and FDNY investigated and removed the objects, he said, reported amNewYork.

“At no time was Metro-North or Long Island Rail Road service impacted and at 3:08 p.m. the NYPD’s Emergency Service Unit cleared the suspicious items as non-hazardous,” Minton added.

“We appreciate customers’ patience as safety was prioritized and regret any inconvenience in getting to trains.”

“There was a police investigation on the upper level. The issue has now been cleared. Please listen to the announcements at Grand Central Terminal for further assistance,” Metro-North Railroad said on Twitter Tuesday afternoon.