Fire Breaks Out at Havant's Elmsleigh Hospital – Patients Evacuated
Firefighters rushed to Elmsleigh Hospital in Havant this evening after flames and smoke erupted in one of the wards. Three fire crews from Havant and Cosham responded quickly, tackling the blaze at the rear of the hospital estate.
Patients and Staff Evacuated to Safety
About 30 patients were evacuated and bundled up in white blankets outside the main entrance. Staff were also rushed out as a precaution. Meanwhile, a large police presence gathered on New Road, keeping the area secure.
Firefighters Break Window to Extinguish Flames
Eyewitnesses say crews smashed a window to gain access before dousing the small fire, which reportedly started in a patient’s room. Smoke and flames were visible, sparking immediate action from the emergency teams.
Southern Health Stays Tight-Lipped on Incident
Staff at the troubled Southern Health-managed hospital declined to comment on the cause or extent of the fire. Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus entered with hose reels to check for further flare-ups while others used fans to clear smoke from the building.