Major fire destroys mental health unit at Malton Hospital
A mental health unit in North Yorkshire has been left destroyed by a serious fire.
Dramatic images showed firefighters fighting the blaze on Wednesday with hose reels as the fire continued to rage inside the roofless building, which is on the Malton and Norton hospital site.
Patients and staff were evacuated from the Springwood unit, which had 14 beds for men and women, and mainly catered for the over 65s with complex needs.
Hospital staff confirmed all people are accounted for.
An unconfirmed report said the fire had broken out in the roof.
Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation, which runs the service, said: “We are working closely with the emergency services to manage the situation and can confirm that all patients and staff are safe.
“We are grateful to the emergency services and local school colleagues who have supported our patients and staff so compassionately.”
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said: “Residents and anyone nearby may notice large amounts of smoke. As a precaution, please keep all doors and windows closed.
“Please avoid the area at this time to allow emergency services access.”
One commentator posting on Facebook praised fire crews for saving the main hospital, adding: “A scary time for staff and patients, and the houseowners on Orchard Road, it’s only about 50ft away.”