By Gina Gomez

New York, Dec.31, (THAINDIAN NEWS) A white van that was parked near New York’s Times Square sparked a bomb scare on Wednesday, although investigations later revealed that the vehicle did not pose any threat. However, the unattended vehicle led to suspicions among the pedestrians due to which a bomb disposal squad was called in to inspect the unoccupied van. After thoroughly investigating the vehicle, officials revealed that nothing harmful was discovered inside the van.

The vehicle which was parked at the west end of Broadway, between 41st and 42nd Streets, led to widespread speculations as it did not have any license plate and at the same time had blacked out windows. In order to avoid any untoward incident, officials evacuated the adjoining area including a number of nearby buildings. Moreover, the traffic movement in the area was also cleared, as the officials embarked on their investigation process. Later, the search process [which lasted for almost two hours] revealed that the vehicle was devoid of any kind of explosives and carried only clothes as well as a table.

Although nothing suspicious came to light after Wednesday’s incident, the security measures in the area is likely to be beefed up, as Times Square in the hot spot among New Year revelers. Like every year, Times Square is expected to be the center of new year celebrations and other festivities, as thousands of revelers gather to usher in the New Year. Police officials have revealed that they are keeping no stones unturned to ensure the security of the citizens, as they get set to indulge in the New Year celebrations.