SCI-Frackville officials confirmed Tuesday morning that a training drill prompted the temporary closure of several roads near the correctional facility.
Residents reported that armed guards had blocked Altamont Boulevard, Industrial Road, and Mall Road early in the day, sparking widespread concern and speculation on social media. Some rumors falsely suggested that an inmate had escaped from the facility.
Schuylkill County Communications and SCI-Frackville both cofirmed that the closure was part of a planned drill and that there was no threat to the community.
While the drill has concluded, some residents expressed frustration over the lack of prior notice about the event.
Altamont Boulevard and the surrounding roads were reopened shortly after the drill's conclusion. Normal traffic has since resumed.