These dramatic images show the aftermath of a fire in the roof of Trafford General Hospital.
The photos show an area of the roof that was probably struck by lightning during a thunderstorm and was badly damaged by fire.
Part of the roof appears to have partially collapsed, leaving broken and exposed beams.
It appears that the area has been badly smoked and water damaged.
READ MORE: Trafford General Fire: Everything We Know As ALL Day Hospital Procedures Has Been Canceled
The photos were posted by Dave Lucas, GMFRS station manager, at around 9.45pm last night after the fire was brought under control.
The crews were rushed to the hospital for the first time at around 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday to receive reports of a fire.
The roof seems to have partially collapsed
(Image: @DaveLucasFire – Twitter)
The Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, which runs the hospital, said 66 patients had to be evacuated to other areas of the hospital shortly after the fire broke out.
North West Ambulance Service paramedics were called to the scene but later dropped off as everyone was considered.
Footage from the crime scene showed thick black smoke roaring from the roof of the hospital before it was extinguished.
The hospital trust said all scheduled day clinic procedures scheduled to take place at the hospital today (Thursday) have been canceled.
The consequences of the fire
(Image: @DaveLucasFire – Twitter)
The hospital’s minor injury department, which was closed yesterday, is due to reopen today as usual.
The fire investigators were on site overnight to determine the cause of the fire.
Alongside the pictures of the aftermath of the fire, Dave Lucas wrote: “Absolutely phenomenal effort today from all GMFRS staff and partners present at Trafford General Hospital.
The fire started in an area of the hospital roof
“A fantastic stop in the gap in the roof by the crews that prevents further damage and disruption, complemented by a coherent response from several authorities to ensure the continuity of services.”
In a statement released yesterday evening, an MFT spokesman said “all staff and patients” were safe after the fire.
Fire officer Carlos Meakin said the fire was “well developed” and “extremely difficult to put out,” but praised hospital staff for safely evacuating patients.
Crews on site
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
He added, “I would like to commend the hospital staff for safely evacuating staff and patients and moving them to other wards prior to our arrival, which was a great help in fighting the fire.
“The crews will be on site throughout the evening to ensure the area remains safe, and specialist fire safety officers will assist hospital staff in returning to normal operations if it is safe to do so.
“Fire investigators are on site and investigate the cause of the fire.”
