A hospital in the eastern city of Lublin was hit by one of the biggest fires in the recent history of the city, with several fire fighters suffering from smoke inhalation.

Twelve fire brigades battled with the fire on Monday, augmented by brigades are on their way from the neighbouring town of Swidnik.

The fire started in the morning in the hospital’s attic and quickly spread to the wwards. Because of the fire and thick black smoke, 34 patients and 30 medical staff were evacuated to the neighbouring Medical University of Lublin.

“Seven firemen were poisoned with the toxic smoke and were hospitalized,” says Wojciech Miciula from Lublin Fire Service. (mg)