WATCH: Disruptions at St Andrews hospital after car crashes and bursts into flames
GP services at St Andrews Community Hospital have been disrupted after car smashed into the side of the building early this morning.
GP services at St Andrews Community Hospital have been disrupted after car smashed into the side of the building early this morning.
Police were called to the scene and found a silver Audi motorcar embedded in the wall with both the vehicle and building on fire.
Lizzie Parker has this report:
The fire was quickly brought under control while patients and staff were evacuated to safety elsewhere in the complex. A 27-year-old man was traced at a nearby address and taken into custody.
He will be appearing at court at a later date in relation to road traffic offences.
Sergeant Pat Turner of St Andrews Police Station said: “It was extremely fortunate that the part of the building with which the vehicle collided was not being used at that time.
“But this incident had the potential for much more serious consequences.
“This was undoubtedly a frightening experience for hospital residents but staff and emergency services initiated established protocols which resulted in the safe evacuation of all patients and staff.”
An NHS Fife spokesperson said:
“The car that collided with part of the hospital caused significant damage, affecting today’s GP services and requiring a small number of physiotherapy appointments to be rearranged.
“Whilst we are working hard to mitigate the impact of this incident, today’s disruption is expected to continue into tomorrow and we will continue efforts to contact any outpatients who may be affected. Importantly, if there is a need for urgent GP assessment, please present to the minor injuries unit or contact NHS 24. Inpatient care remains unaffected and wards should be contacted in the usual manner.
“The car involved in the collision will remain on site ahead of a structural assessment tomorrow and security services will be present overnight. This situation continues to be under regular review and further information will be made available in due course.”