Rio Olympic Aquatic Centre evacuated after suspicious package found

A suspicious package has forced the evacuation of the Rio Olympic Aquatic Centre just 90 minutes before the Australian swimming team were due to arrive for training.

The Rio Olympic Aquatic Centre. Source: Twitter

The Rio Olympic Aquatic Centre had to be evacuated just 90 minutes before Australian swimmers were due to arrive after a suspicious package was found. 

SBS News understands the package was possibly a piece of luggage or an unattended toolbox left behind in the centre.

The centre has since been reopened.

On Monday emergency services carried out a controlled explosion on a backpack outside the Maracana Stadium, where the opening ceremony will be held, as part of a training exercise.