Southampton hospital declares major incident after fire breaks out

Southampton hospital declares major incident after fire breaks out

A serious incident was declared at Southampton General Hospital early on Sunday morning due to a fire outbreak. The hospital confirmed that the blaze started around 05:30 GMT and has since been contained. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and all patients from the areas affected by the fire were safely moved to other parts of the hospital.

Following the incident, the hospital has advised visitors to avoid the premises, and all scheduled outpatient appointments for the day have been cancelled. Additionally, the emergency department of the hospital has been instructed to divert patients unless their conditions are critical and life or limb-threatening. This adjustment aims to reduce pressure on hospital services while recovery and safety procedures continue.

The Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service reported that at the peak of the fire response, more than 110 firefighters were involved in managing the situation. By around 10:00 GMT, the fire was under control, although crews remained at the scene to carry out dampening operations. A BBC reporter at the location noted that the fire took place in the hospital’s west wing. She described seeing patients in their beds relocated to safer areas such as the main entrance lobby, an area typically bustling with visitors.

Roads surrounding Southampton General Hospital have been closed by emergency services to ensure public safety and facilitate ongoing operations. While the exact cause of the fire has not been determined, the hospital is directing people who need medical care to alternative community services. These include urgent treatment centres at the Royal South Hants Hospital and Lymington New Forest Hospital

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