A tragic incident unfolded in Italy as a fire erupted at a hospital on the outskirts of Rome, resulting in the loss of at least three lives and causing injuries to several individuals. The San Giovanni Evangelista hospital in Tivoli, where nearly 200 patients were receiving care, underwent an overnight evacuation following the blaze, as disclosed by officials on Saturday (local time).
The fire originated in the hospital's emergency room on the ground floor around 11 pm on Friday (local time) and quickly spread to other sections of the building. The entire structure was soon engulfed in thick smoke, according to chief prosecutor Francesco Menditto, who shared details with the news agency Associated Press. The unfortunate victims, aged between 76 and 86, succumbed to the dire consequences of the fire.
Additionally, a fourth body was discovered in the hospital mortuary, but preliminary indications suggest that this individual might have passed away before the fire occurred.
Among those subjected to the evacuation were 193 patients, including a pregnant woman and several children. Notably, some of the patients were in intensive care units, necessitating their immediate transfer to alternative hospitals via ambulances, as outlined by officials.
The investigations into the incident are still underway, with authorities striving to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage incurred. Chief prosecutor Menditto clarified that, while there is currently no belief that the fire was intentionally set, the working hypothesis guiding the investigation revolves around potential manslaughter charges, with no identified suspects.
Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected by the tragedy. In a statement posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Meloni conveyed, "I express my deepest condolences to the families of the victims of the fire that broke out in the San Giovanni Evangelista hospital in Tivoli and my closeness to all those affected."
Â
