Fire and hospital authorities are investigating an incident last night at a Christchurch mental hospital which forced people from the village and nearby private houses to evacuate the area.
Police fire and ambulance services were called about 7.40 pm to Hillmorton Village, on the former Sunnyside Hospital site, where they
found flames coming from four safety vents next to a large LPG tank.
Initially two fire engines were sent, but this was quickly upgraded to seven plus several senior fire officers and specialist staff from gas companies, said Andrew Norris of the Fire Southern Communication Centre.
Engines from the City, Addington, Sockburn and Harewood stations were involved and firefighters were at the scene for several hours until the area was made safe and turned over to maintenance staff at Hillmorton Village.
Senior fire officers later said the gas safety systems at the hospital appeared to have worked well and there had been good cooperation between emergency services.
Police assisted with the evacuation of Hillmorton Village and nearby homes.
Village residents and people in several houses in Annex Rd and Sylvan St closest to the fire had to leave for more than an hour.
- CHRISTCHURCH STAR
