Major Incident Declared Following Fire at Southampton Hospital
A major incident has been declared after a significant fire broke out at University Hospital Southampton, leading to the evacuation of patients and the closure of surrounding roads by emergency services.
Emergency Response and Evacuation
Fire crews were called to Southampton General Hospital at 5.30am on Sunday 1 February 2026, responding swiftly to the blaze. The hospital has confirmed that the fire is now contained, and fortunately, no injuries have been reported among patients or staff. However, the cause of the fire remains unknown at this time, with investigations likely to follow.
Impact on Hospital Services
The incident has caused significant disruption to hospital operations. The emergency department is currently diverting patients away, except for those with life-threatening or limb-threatening conditions. Visitors are being asked to stay away from the premises, and all planned outpatient appointments for Sunday have been cancelled to ensure safety and allow for emergency response efforts.
Road Closures and Public Safety
To facilitate the emergency response, roads surrounding the hospital have been closed by authorities. This measure is part of a coordinated effort to manage the situation and prevent any further risks to public safety. The hospital and emergency services are working closely to assess the damage and restore normal operations as soon as possible.
Ongoing Updates and Information
This is a developing story, and more details are expected to emerge as the situation unfolds. The hospital has urged the public to follow official updates for the latest information. In the meantime, patients and visitors are advised to heed the guidance provided by the hospital and emergency services to ensure their safety and support the ongoing response efforts.
