OhioHealth Berger Hospital remains closed following an evacuation earlier today due to smoke dispersing through the hospital's ventilation system. The incident was caused by an overheating pump, but no fire occurred. Hospital officials are conducting cleaning operations and aim to reopen safely as soon as possible.
Patients with scheduled appointments will be contacted for rescheduling via phone or MyChart.
The Circleville Fire Department has given OhioHealth permission to re-enter the building and begin recovery efforts, though a timeline for resuming normal operations is not yet available. Since the morning, 55 patients have been either transferred or discharged.
Initially, the hospital was fully evacuated after reports of smoke from its basement. Emergency services responded promptly, working alongside hospital staff to identify the cause of the smoke. Patients were moved to nearby hospitals, Circleville High School, or sent home if suitable.