Patient trying to light cigarette while on oxygen likely caused fire at Pa. hospital: report

A UPMC hospital representative confirmed five UPMC East employees were treated for injuries after a fire in a hospital room broke out Sunday night. The fire may have started as the result of a patient attempting to light a cigarette while on oxygen, according to reports.

Crews responded to UPMC East at 2775 Mosside Blvd. in Monroeville, Allegheny County, around 11 p.m. for reports of a fire. The hospital staff was immediately able to relocate nearby patients to other units for their safety, WPXI reported.

According to the spokesperson, the five employees were evaluated and treated after the fire. The unit where the fire originated reopened today, and there is no impact on hospital services or any cancellations to procedures.

The condition of the patient in the room where the fire started has yet to be provided by the hospital, KDKA reported.

In the meantime, the event remains under investigation. The fire was minor and was extinguished by midnight.

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