Emergency crews responded Wednesday night to a large fire at Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City, Pennsylvania, leading to the evacuation of patients as flames overtook part of the facility’s Orthopedic Institute.

Governor Josh Shapiro said on the social platform X that state agencies — including the Pennsylvania State Police, the Emergency Management Agency, and the Department of Health — were coordinating the evacuation effort and securing the scene. “Thank you to every first responder running toward danger to help their fellow Pennsylvanians,” Shapiro posted, adding that he and First Lady Lori Shapiro were “praying for the staff, patients, their families, and the entire community tonight.”

Videos and photos circulating online showed intense flames rising from the orthopedic section of the hospital. As of late Wednesday, it remained unclear what caused the blaze. The Associated Press reported that hospital representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

U.S. Representative Rob Bresnahan Jr., who represents the area north of Scranton, said he was monitoring the situation closely and extended his thoughts to everyone affected by the fire.

The incident has drawn emergency support from multiple local and state agencies as firefighters continued overnight efforts to suppress the flames and ensure the safety of patients and medical personnel.

More information is expected as investigators begin assessing the cause and extent of the damage.

(Source: MyNorthwest)