Providence Place Mall evacuated during Black Friday shopping

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WJAR) — Black Friday shoppers were in for a surprise Friday evening as a fire alarm went off during business hours.

Providence Police Chief Oscar Perez said a busted water pipe was behind the evening drama.

More than 100 employees and shoppers made their way outside, onto the sidewalk of the Francis Street side.

The crowd stood outside in the cold for a little more than 30 minutes, before they were let back inside.

It was not clear whether the entire mall was evacuated or just a specific floor.

NBC 10 was already on scene speaking to Black Friday shoppers about their experience this year.

“It was like really crowded and a lot of things were sold out it was good,” said shopper Mila Rockedal.

Shoppers said they expected it to be busy this afternoon.

“The food court was very very busy,” said shopper Eleanor McGrane.

NBC 10 walked around the mall Friday to see large crowds taking advantage of the deals.

Black Friday shopper Jessica Diaz said she was happy with this year’s deals.

“I got my winter coat and my holiday shoes so I’m ready to go,” said Diaz.

Although the Providence Place mall is in receivership, you wouldn’t know it from the thousands of people who flooded in.

Some shoppers like Kaylee Paler, however, didn’t find the deals they were looking for.

“You’re trying to find materials, you’re trying to find suitcases, bags, clothing, shoes whatever, they have a pretty good selection here,” said Paler.

Outside Providence Place, there was a solidarity march for Palestinian people that made its way over to the mall from Kennedy Plaza.

There were lots of mall security and police around to safely monitor the march and Black Friday shopping.

Some shoppers said parking was a nightmare.

Drivers honked their horns, trying to get people to move, as they sat in standstill traffic.

NBC 10 spoke to Julia Beauchamp, a mother who came by to see Wicked with her children. She did not expect Friday’s turnout.

“I did not. I probably should have, considering it’s Black Friday but it’s actually crazy,” said Beauchamp.

“We were in standstill traffic for a very long time. These two were not happy. So we parked about 20 minutes away and we walked.”