PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Jefferson Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia is temporarily closed because of a power outage. About 120 patients are being evacuated.
Philadelphia Police Chief Inspector Scott Small said there was flooding in the basement, possibly caused by a broken pipe, around 6 p.m. Tuesday. The water rose to 3 feet high, and the power was knocked out as the backup generators failed to operate.
Small said 120 patients are being moved to other hospitals in and around the city — mainly Jefferson facilities, but some were taken to Penn. Many of the patients, some still hooked up to machines, were wheeled to ambulances. Others got onto buses from the fire department’s evacuation unit.
No one was injured during the evacuations.
The Office of Emergency Management said the water department worked with Jefferson’s facility staff to evaluate the infrastructure. PECO and PGW responded, as well as the Chester County EMS Task Force.
In a statement, Jefferson Health said, "We’re thankful for the colleagues and first responders who worked tirelessly throughout the night. ... The cause of the outage is still being investigated but appears to be related to an external water source."
Some power was restored in the building. The only part of the hospital that is open to patients is the emergency room, which is only taking walk-ins.
Jefferson did not give a timeline for the hospital to reopen, but police said it could take days or weeks.
Family members who want to connect with their loved ones can call Jefferson Health’s information line at 215-463-2031.
About 120 patients are being evacuated to other hospitals
About 120 patients are being evacuated to other hospitals
