A huge blaze at Southampton General Hospital early Sunday sparked a major incident, officials have confirmed. The fire was caused by an electrical fault, bringing chaos to the west wing and forcing a fast evacuation.
Massive Fire Response at Southampton Hospital
The fire erupted around 5:30am, sending thick smoke billowing through the hospital. Over 100 firefighters rushed to battle the flames while staff sprang into action, moving more than 500 patients to safety.
“The building has now been handed back to the Trust by the fire service, who confirmed the cause was electrical,” a hospital spokesperson said.
Wards Closed and Services Disrupted
The devastating fire left many wards closed due to fire, smoke, and water damage, putting 200 beds out of action. Nearly 200 patients were cared for in corridors and public spaces before being discharged, transferred, or settled elsewhere in the hospital.
502 patients were safely relocated during the emergency. The Emergency Department has since reopened, and some urgent elective surgeries are resuming as services gradually return to normal.
Recovery Efforts Underway
The hospital urges patients to keep appointments unless contacted directly. Staff are working to reunite patients with belongings left behind in the rush. Anyone missing items should call the Patient and Family Support Hub on 0800 4840135 to arrange collection.
Hospital teams have been widely praised for their quick action and dedication throughout the crisis and recovery.
