Emergency Department, other parts of Duke University Hospital floods after pipe bursts

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- A water pipe inside a wall burst inside Duke University Hospital on Thursday night.

Several areas were flooded, including the Emergency Department. However, all patients at the time of the incident received the care they needed, according to Duke.

Incoming emergency room patients arriving by ambulance were being redirected to nearby hospitals. Patients who came in private vehicles were being treated in other parts of the hospital complex.

In a statement, Duke University Hospital officials said: "We urge members of the public to seek emergency care at other area hospitals or an urgent care center if possible. The flooding has not affected inpatient hospital areas, but some additional ancillary areas were impacted. We have relocated those functions to other areas of the hospital."

Duke officials said a chilled water pipe inside a wall burst at 11:40 p.m. leading to the flooding.

Duke added that it hopes to resume normal operations "as soon as possible."