Colchester: Big blaze at former hospital (From Gazette)

Colchester: Big blaze at former hospital

Fire crews fought a major blaze in a derelict building at the former Severalls Hospital, Colchester.

Fire drama - water pours into the blazing building. 39445-3

Firefighters feared that people could be sleeping rough inside. But a full search was ruled out after the burning structure was declared unsafe.

Six fire engines, a rescue tender, an aerial ladder platform and a control unit went to the site in Boxted Road, Myland, after the alarm at 10.30pm last night.

Police shut nearby roads to traffic as crews from Colchester, Wivenhoe, Brightlingsea, Manningtree and Brentwood fought the blaze.

Assistant Divisional Officer Matt Furber, of Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, said it was too early to say what caused the fire.

The building had not been used for more than eight years. It was used as the medical superintendent's house and later as an administration block and accommodation for junior doctors.

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Thursday, November 25, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette