Hospital Ward Evacuated After Fire Broke Out When Roof Was Hit By Lightning

Flames and smoke is seen billowing out of the top of the hospital in Trafford (Picture: MEN Media/Steve Saul@BBCNWT)

According to a report by Metro UK, a fire has broken out at a hospital after being hit by lightning.

Patients and staff were evacuated from one ward at Trafford General Hospital after the blaze erupted during a storm this afternoon.

Footage from the scene shows flames and smoke billowing out of the top of the hospital on Moorside Road.

Firefighters can also be seen battling the blaze on a crane above the roof.

NHS bosses confirmed the cause of the fire was a lightning strike, while the ambulance service said there have been no reported casualties.

A spokesperson 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 is not yet known if anyone was injured in the fire.

Firefighters tackle the blaze on a crane above the roof (Picture: Steve Saul @BBCNWT)

Over the past few weeks, rain and thunderstorms have battered the UK, London submerged under flash floods.

Cars were left stranded on flooded roads while several hospitals had to turn A&E patients away.

The bad weather is far from over, with yellow and amber weather alerts remaining in place across England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

But while heavy showers will continue throughout the week, meteorologists said sunny spells will break through the gloom.

Meanwhile, 16 flood alerts have been announced by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency, for areas including Aberdeenshire, Dundee and Angus, Fife and West Central Scotland.

Stephen Dixon, a spokesperson from the Met Office, said there was an amber weather warning in place from 6am on Wednesday to 6am on Thursday in Inverness.

He said: ‘The rain can cause potential flooding and travel disruption.

‘There is the potential for 80-100mm over 24 hours, but more likely 60mm more widely across that amber area.

‘There can possibly be lightning and hail in areas of Scotland.'

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Source: Metro UK