Investigations underway after fire breaks out at Wexford hospital

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

Updated 8.40pm

Firefighters responded after a blaze broke out at Wexford General Hospital earlier on Wednesday.

The fire is now under control.

An Garda Síochána described the incident as a "major emergency", and confirmed that no casualties or injuries were reported.

Wexford General Hospital was evacuated, and emergency services were called to the scene. Over 200 patients are being transferred to different hospitals as a result of the fire.

Wexford Fire Service will have a presence at the hospital overnight as a precaution, gardaí said.

"The hospital is coordinating with the relevant authorities regarding finding the location, cause of the fire and assessing the full damage," the force said.

"We would ask the public not to come to the Hospital and to stay away from the area. Anyone requiring Emergency Care in the Wexford region should attend their closest alternative Accident and Emergency service."

A helpline has been set up for patient's families and their loved ones.

God hope everyone ok… Wexford General Hospital on fire pic.twitter.com/suvzc3T9qR

— Brid O'Neill (BON Photography) (@NeillBrid) March 1, 2023

Earlier, images posted to social media showed smoke billowing from the building.

IMPORTANT

Due to a fire incident in Wexford General Hospital we ask that everyone avoid the area!!

Anyone living in close proximity, close windows and doors and turn off all air ventilation!!!

— Wexford County Council (@wexfordcoco) March 1, 2023

The Dáil was told by a junior minister that the building had been evacuated.

A spokesperson for the Ireland East Hospital Group said in a statement to the PA news agency: “Wexford General Hospital can confirm there was a fire in the hospital today.

“The hospital is coordinating with the relevant authorities.”

“Due to a fire incident in Wexford General Hospital we ask that everyone avoid the area,” Wexford County Council tweeted.

“Anyone living in close proximity, close windows and doors and turn off all air ventilation.”