Duct fire closes A&E department

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Trafford General Hospital's accident and emergency department (A&E) has been shut after a fire in the service ducts which supply the building with oxygen.

The fire broke out at the site in Urmston, Greater Manchester, at about midday, according to a statement released by the hospital.

It said that no-one was injured and that crews managed to contain the fire.

Intensive care patients have been moved to other hospitals, and A&E will remain closed on Sunday and Monday.

The oxygen supply which is piped directly from large tanks at the rear of the hospital to the wards had to be switched off because of the fire.

The hospital said it had supplies of cylinder oxygen to be used in such emergencies.

The Minor Injuries Unit at nearby Altrincham General Hospital will remain open until 2000 GMT.