NEW YORK—Despite a bomb scare on Wednesday, Times Square celebrations will go on as usual and under tight security. New Year’s revelers are advised not to bring alcohol, large bags, or large backpacks.
Police officers swarmed around a suspicious van parked on Times Square around 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
No explosive devices were found inside, police told the Associated Press. The suspect white van had tinted windows and had been parked in Times Square. The van had no license plates and displayed a dashboard placard from a fake government agency. Police blocked off 42nd Street between Broadway and 7th Avenue.
Times Square was reopened in the early afternoon though the van owner has still not been identified.
“People will try to find out who the van’s owner is and take the appropriate steps. The bottom line is it turned out to not be anything serious, but once again, as soon as somebody called the NYPD, [police] sprung into action and did what they’re trained to do,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg, according to NY1 News.
Tips for New Year’s Revelers
Watching the ball drop in Times Square has been an iconic way to celebrate New Year’s, with the first ball dropping in 1907. One million people are expected to join this year in Times Square, and with a little help from technology, there will be more than 1 billion around the world joining through the webcast and live chat, alongside Twitter and Facebook, and live event tool CoverLive.
For the best experience on New Year’s Eve, here are some tips courtesy of the Times Square Alliance web site:
• The best view of the ball is along Broadway from 43rd Street to 50th Street, and along Seventh Avenue, as far north as 59th Street. The bell will be raised at 6 p.m. and dropped at 11:59 p.m.
• Screens are set up at One Times Square, Broadway and 50th Street, Broadway and 52nd Street, Broadway and 54th Street and Broadway and 58th Street.
• The earlier you arrive the better. The events start at 6 p.m. and people are expected to arrive all day.
• Public transportation is the best option to get to Times Square, but avoid the 42nd Street Subway Station to escape the crowds. There are several stations within walking distance.
• Dress warmly, drink lots of water and avoid caffeine to avoid dehydration.
• A viewing area for the disabled has been designated on the northwest corner of 43rd Street.
