Police were called to the former General Hospital site on Queen Street East last evening following a report that three youth were lost inside the facility.
A news release issued by the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service states that the "youth had entered a building, became disoriented and could not find their way out of the building."
All three face trespassing charges as a result.
Full text of the news release follows:
Around 9:20 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2022, officers responded to a call of three youth lost inside a building at the former Sault Area Hospital building, formerly known as the General Hospital.
Officers determined three youth had entered a building, became disoriented and could not find their way out of the building.
As part of an effective utilization of community resources, Sault Fire Services attended the scene to assist with the incident and entered the building to locate the individuals. Once inside, firefighters located the three youth and removed them from the building safely with no physical injuries.
The three are charged with entering a premises when entry is prohibited under the Trespass to Property Act.
The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service continues to deal with calls for service around this property and urge community members not to be in or around the building.
This is a reminder of the dangers of entering an abandoned building. The former General Hospital building has been abandoned for some time and it is unsafe for anyone to be there. The building is unstable and could cause serious injury if parts of the structure give way. Entering this building, or other abandoned buildings, not only puts your safety at risk, but also the safety of emergency responders.