A Wednesday night alarm shattered the calm around Lehigh Valley Hospital in Pennsylvania, as flames erupted in a building connected to the main facility. The initial call came around 9:40 p.m., swiftly escalating into a massive emergency response that demanded the best from local heroes.
Fire Chief Richard Chowanec arrived to a harrowing scene: fire tearing through the roof of the original Scranton Orthopedics building, an older structure physically linked to the modern hospital. Recognizing the potential for rapid spread, he immediately called for backup, bolstering the firefighting force.
Thankfully, the fire remained contained within the orthopedics building, preventing it from breaching the main hospital itself. However, smoke and water damage presented immediate concerns, triggering a full-scale evacuation of patients as a crucial safety measure.
The evacuation was a complex operation, a testament to coordinated teamwork. Police officers, hospital staff, and emergency medical crews worked side-by-side, supported by the Lackawanna County Emergency Management Agency and the Pennsylvania State Police, to ensure everyone’s safety.
Seventy-seven patients were carefully transferred to neighboring medical centers, a logistical feat accomplished with remarkable efficiency. Remarkably, amidst the chaos and danger, no major injuries were reported – a victory in itself.
Firefighters battled relentlessly as sections of the orthopedics unit began to crumble under the intense heat. It wasn’t until around 11:15 p.m. that the blaze was finally brought under control, leaving behind a scene of devastation.
Now, the painstaking work of investigation begins. The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal Unit will meticulously examine the wreckage, seeking to determine the cause and origin of this frightening event.
Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the bravery of the first responders, expressing gratitude for their selfless actions. He and his wife offered prayers for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community grappling with the aftermath.
