05 March 2023 , 20:29
1156
0
A hospital A&E department has been forced to evacuate 100 patients and staff after a fire broke out inside the building.
Croydon University Hospital in London confirmed its A&E department would remain closed this evening closed due to fire damage following an incident earlier today.
All those in the hospital have been confirmed safe, while anyone in the area required urgent care has been asked to dial 111. Patients who are "well enough to go home" have also been discharged, the hospital said.
London Fire Brigade (LFB) told MyLondon they were called to the fire at 3pm and sent 20 firefighters in four fire engines, who tackled the blaze for more than two hours.
A spokesperson confirmed the fire was under control by 5.07pm.
Baby boy has spent his life in hospital as doctors are 'scared' to discharge him
Croydon University Hospital evacuated 100 patients and staff following the incident, with no injuries reported (Croydon Advertiser)One room on the ground floor of the hospital was said by firefighters to have been "one hundred per cent destroyed" by the flames.
Croydon University Hospital tweeted at 7.03pm to warn patients of the closure, while assuring local people that they were working to open again "as soon as possible".
The hospital also praised the fire brigade for their "fast" response.
A statement from Croydon Health Services read: "We are happy to confirm that all of our patients and staff are safe, and the fire is out. However, due to the damage caused, our Emergency Department will remain closed temporarily.
"Our staff and the London Fire Brigade responded quickly to the alarm, which was raised at 14:58.
"A total of 80 patients were safely evacuated from the Emergency Department to continue their care in other parts of the hospital, and we have discharged those patients who are well enough to go home.
“Further updates will be issued in due course.”
The London Fire Brigade have been approached for comment.