Lehigh Valley Hospital Fire Prompts Dickson City Patient Evacuation
A significant fire erupted on the roof of Lehigh Valley Hospital in Dickson City around 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Witnesses reported flames visible from the rooftop as emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene.
Emergency Response and Patient Evacuation
Approximately 100 first responders and multiple emergency vehicles were deployed to manage the situation. Patients were relocated to a nearby facility at 316 Main Ave., with many using wheelchairs or stretchers for assistance.
- 10 ambulances were stationed across Main Avenue at the Citywide Animal Clinic parking lot.
- Additional ambulances lined Main Avenue, awaiting potential patient transfers.
As of 10:45 p.m., it remained uncertain if any patients would be transferred to Geisinger Community Medical Center or another facility. A staff member at the Regional Hospital of Scranton mentioned that they were prepared but had no specific information on incoming patients.
On-Site Operations and Coordination
Utility crews were also present, with workers addressing power lines in front of the hospital. Emergency crews from various regions, including Moscow and Greater Pittston, assisted with the response. Reports indicated that off-shift employees were arriving to lend further support.
Background on Lehigh Valley Hospital – Dickson City
This facility, part of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, underwent significant development over the years. Initially acquired in 2017, plans for an expansion were announced in October 2020 after construction resumed following the network’s acquisition of Coordinated Health in December 2019.
- The hospital opened its doors in May 2022, featuring a 19-bay emergency room.
- In June 2023, seven ICU beds and nine medical-surgical beds were added to the facility.
The establishment of this hospital was crucial for the Midvalley region, following the closure of inpatient services at Mid Valley Hospital in 2014. The new Dickson City hospital aims to fill the healthcare gap in the area.
Further updates regarding the incident will be provided as new information becomes available.
