Fire at Landstraße Clinic in Vienna
The fire that broke out in a construction area on the premises of the Landstraße Clinic in the eponymous Vienna district was brought under control by the professional fire brigade early Wednesday afternoon. As of 2:30 PM, there were still inspections and follow-up extinguishing operations. "The fire brigade will remain on site until we can ensure that there are no hidden embers or other sources of danger," said Lukas Schauer, spokesperson for the Vienna professional fire brigade, to the APA.
Cause of Fire at Landstraße Clinic Initially Unclear
The fire broke out late in the morning on the roof of a light well in a lower building section of the clinic for reasons that are still unclear. Construction work is currently taking place there. The emergency services were alerted around 11:00 AM, according to Schauer. The professional fire brigade immediately triggered alarm level 2. This is a routine procedure for such operations in or near hospitals. Due to the need for extensive inspections in adjacent areas, the alarm level was later even raised to 3, reported Schauer.
The operation was challenging. According to Schauer, openings had to be made in the roof to control the flames with extinguishing lances. A spokeswoman for the health association responsible for the clinic told the APA that fortunately, there were no injuries and the evacuation of inpatient areas was not necessary. However, two outpatient clinics had to be closed and an emergency operation set up elsewhere because extinguishing water had entered. Additionally, ongoing operations were completed and further procedures planned for the afternoon were postponed. The operating room area is adjacent to the affected area. Appointments for patients in the two closed outpatient clinics would be rescheduled, and those affected would be contacted. Shortly before 4:00 PM, the fire brigade operation was completed.
Rescue Ban Imposed on Hospital
The cause of the fire was initially unclear. According to the health association, a so-called rescue ban was imposed on the Landstraße Clinic (formerly Rudolfstiftung, note), meaning that rescue or emergency medical vehicles are temporarily not allowed to approach the hospital. This was still in effect early in the afternoon.
(APA/Red)
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