Lightning bolt started fire at UK hospital as patients evacuated

Trafford General Hospital was struck by lightning causing a fire on the roof of the building on Wednesday.

A small number of patients and staff were evacuated from a ward following a lightning strike as firefighters tackled a blaze on the roof at the hospital in Greater Manchester.

Images show part of the hospital engulfed by black smoke. A bolt of lightning hit the building, hospital chiefs confirmed.

Seven fire engines were called just after 2.20pm. The hospital, in Flixton, Greater Manchester, is said to be the birthplace of the NHS.

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service said: “Crews were quickly on the scene, joined by the aerial ladder platform from Manchester Central fire station.

“Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus are currently using two hose reels and a jet to tackle a fire involving the roof of a two-storey building. Crews remain in attendance at this time.”

It is thought it was the Seymour Building that was hit by lightning during a thunderstorm.

A spokesperson for Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said; “We can confirm an area of Trafford General Hospital has been struck by lightning which has caused a fire in an area of the roof.

“A small number of patients and staff have been safely evacuated from one ward and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service are currently in attendance.

“This is an ongoing incident.”

It added patients and staff had been safely evacuated.

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