A lightning strike has caused a fire at St Benedict’s Nursing Home in Glastonbury, leading to substantial damage. Fire crews responded shortly after midnight to reports of smoke emanating from the second floor. While one person was taken to hospital, all residents were accounted for, with three evacuated safely.
The fire has resulted in 20% of the building being damaged by flames, while smoke has affected 60% of the premises. This incident highlights the vulnerabilities of older buildings during severe weather events, particularly in areas under yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms.
Emergency services from multiple locations worked together to control the situation, leaving the scene by early morning. The quick response likely prevented further injuries and damage, but the incident raises concerns about the safety protocols in place for vulnerable populations in care facilities during extreme weather.
As the region faces more unpredictable weather patterns, this event serves as a reminder for nursing homes and similar establishments to review their emergency preparedness plans, ensuring they can effectively respond to such unexpected incidents in the future.
Source: BBC News
