A major hospital car park at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, remains closed after a serious fire involving multiple vehicles, with safety assessments continuing into Sunday.
Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust confirmed that car park one will remain shut for the foreseeable future following an initial structural assessment carried out after the blaze on Saturday evening.
The fire broke out on the second floor of the multi-storey car park and involved several vehicles.
In a statement issued at 1pm on Sunday, the Trust said there is confirmed damage to the structure and that further detailed inspections are under way. For safety reasons, no vehicles can currently be moved in or out of the car park.
“Staff and patient safety remains our priority,” the Trust said. “Until we know more, we cannot allow anyone in or out of the car park.”
Hospital bosses stressed that patient care has not been affected, and services at Addenbrooke’s — including the Emergency Department — remain open and operating as normal. However, parking capacity on site is reduced, with car park two near the Rosie Hospital remaining open.
Staff and patients whose vehicles are trapped inside car park one are being supported, the Trust added, with further information on how and when cars can be retrieved expected once assessments are complete.
Visitors and staff travelling to the hospital have been urged to allow extra time and consider alternative transport options, including the Trumpington or Babraham Road Park and Ride sites.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service confirmed the fire was extinguished on Saturday night after more than 30 firefighters attended the scene, supported by crews from neighbouring services. Firefighters remained on site overnight checking for hotspots and dampening down the area.
A fire investigation will take place once it is safe to do so. No injuries have been reported.
The Trust said it understood the disruption caused, particularly for those visiting loved ones or travelling to work, adding: “We are sorry for the inconvenience this has caused and thank you for your ongoing support and understanding.”
