Tragedy Strikes: Fatal Hospital Fire Claims Lives on Rome’s Outskirts

A tragic incident unfolded in the outskirts of Rome as a fire engulfed St. John the Evangelist hospital in Tivoli, claiming the lives of at least three individuals and necessitating the overnight evacuation of the smoke-filled facility. The Tivoli mayor’s office reported that patients in intensive care were swiftly transferred to alternative hospitals via ambulance, while those in less critical condition found temporary refuge in a nearby municipal gymnasium before being relocated to other medical facilities.

Francesco Rocca, the governor of the Lazio region, addressed the scene, confirming the three casualties and emphasizing that an investigation would determine the fire’s origin. He acknowledged the evident deficiencies in Italy’s older hospitals, pointing to significant delays in implementing modern fire safety infrastructure, including sprinkler systems. Initially, the fire department reported four fatalities, with subsequent clarifications attributing the confusion to the inclusion of a body already in the hospital morgue among the fire victims.

Videos released by the fire department depicted the challenging efforts of crews on ladders attempting to reach the upper floors of the hospital amidst billowing smoke. Governor Rocca commended the fire crews and the civil protection agency for their exceptional overnight operation in successfully evacuating the patients from the building.

Expressing condolences, Premier Giorgia Meloni conveyed sympathy to the families affected by the tragedy. Tivoli, situated approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Rome’s center, is renowned for its tourist attractions, notably the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Villa d’Este and Villa Adriana, adding a poignant layer to this unfortunate incident in an otherwise historic and cultural locale.