Hospital patients moved to different ward as firefighters extinguish nearby electrical fire in Europort

The fire was reported during the late afternoon as smoke filled the parking level of the building. Firefighters using breathing apparatus entered the building and asked Gibelec to isolate the faulty electrical panel as they put the fire out.

Twelve firefighters and three fire engines were used in the operation. Gibelec is investigating the cause of the fault.

In a statement, the GHA said it activated its evacuation protocol as smoke had been detected within the hospital. Patients of Rainbow Ward and residents of Calpe Ward were transferred to nearby, unaffected wards, and the emergency smoke extraction system was initiated.

It added that patient safety was maintained at all time, and no damage was sustained. No-one was harmed by the fire.

Minister for Health, Paul Balban, said he was kept informed at every stage, and praised clinical and non-clinical support staff for what he called the "diligent and professional manner in which this incident was handled".