Fire in San Giovanni Evangelista hospital in Tivoli claims lives of elderly patients

A devastating blaze at the San Giovanni Evangelista hospital in Tivoli, near Rome, tragically claimed the lives of at least three elderly individuals. Italian media reported the incident on Saturday, highlighting the severity of the fire that engulfed the hospital overnight.

A fourth deceased individual was discovered in the hospital’s mortuary. Although initially reported as a casualty of the fire, Italy’s Ansa news agency clarified that this victim had passed away before the fire outbreak, at around 11 pm (2200 GMT) on Friday night.

The fire brigade’s response was prompt, employing turntable ladders to evacuate nearly 200 people from the hospital. This group included many children and a pregnant woman. A video released by the fire department showed crews attempting to reach the upper floors of the hospital amidst thick smoke.

The Tivoli mayor’s office stated that patients in the hospital’s intensive care unit were immediately transferred to other hospitals via ambulance. Less-critical patients were temporarily moved to a nearby municipal gymnasium, pending transfer to other facilities.

Those evacuated from the hospital were taken to various parts of Rome for treatment. Media reports indicate that the four fatalities, two men and two women, were between the ages of 76 and 86.

The fire brigade has successfully controlled the blaze, and an investigation is underway to determine its cause. Images from the scene showed the hospital’s blackened and charred exterior, indicating the fire’s extensive spread across multiple floors.

Tivoli, located about 20 miles northeast of Rome, is renowned for its archaeological sites like Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This incident brings a somber note to the otherwise famous tourist destination.