Lightning strike reported at Bolton Hospital as fire crews respond

A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) said: “At around 11.50am today (Monday, May 18), three fire engines from across Greater Manchester attended an incident at Royal Bolton Hospital, Farnworth.

“Crews arrived quickly to a suspected lightning strike with reports of multiple electrical failures in the building.

“Four members of hospital staff presented themselves to A&E for suspected electric shock and one person was rescued from a lift by onsite engineers.

“Crews assisted in making the area safe before departing after roughly an hour in attendance.”

The incident has since been scaled down following the attendance of emergency services.

Rae Wheatcroft, Chief Operating Officer at Bolton NHS Foundation Trust said: “We can confirm that earlier today a lightning strike at Royal Bolton Hospital caused some electrical issues across the site.

“These have now been largely resolved, with the exception of some communication equipment, for which backup systems are in place.

“A small number of staff affected by the incident are being assessed as a precaution.”