Large fire at hospital near Rome kills at least 3

By Giada Zampano

ROME (AA) - At least three people died after a large fire broke out on Friday night at a hospital in Tivoli, about 30 km east of Rome, forcing the staff to evacuate about 200 patients, officials said.

The fire, believed to have started in the basement of the San Giovanni Evangelista hospital, reached the emergency rooms and intensive care units, with other departments filling up with thick smoke, rescuers said.

The three victims of the fire included two people who died of smoke inhalation and a third due to a heart attack.

A fourth person, initially said to have died as a result of the fire, passed away shortly before the blaze broke out, officials said.

Around 200 patients were evacuated to a nearby municipal gym before being transferred to other hospitals in Rome.

An investigation has been opened into the blaze, which was extinguished by firefighters early on Saturday, as workers began to ensure the safety of the building.​​​​​​​

Tivoli is famed in Italy and abroad as the home of Villa d'Este and Villa Adriana, the Roman emperor's countryside retreats, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.