A SOUTHAMPTON accident and emergency department has reportedly suffered a black-out - with staff being forced to use torches to get around.
The entire East Wing of Southampton General Hospital has reportedly suffered a power failure, with A&E services, surgery theatres and the site's internet services all impacted.
It is also being reported that the hospital's back-up generators have failed to start.
Part of the hospital has also been evacuated and firefighters are on the scene.
The outage reportedly started around 6.30am today, leaving part of the hospital in complete darkness.
Staff have reportedly been using torches to help move around the site.
(Part of the hospital (left) has been left in darkness after a power outage)
One person said: "The place is in complete darkness.
"There are no lights and there is no power.
"The back-up generators haven't started and people are walking around with torches."
Another said: "There is a major incident going on at the Southampton General Hospital.
"There is no power and the back up generators have failed to start.
"There are hardly any lights on."
A spokesperson for the hospital said an incident meeting is currently taking place.
More to follow...
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