More than 70 patients were evacuated from the Sunrise Hospital to other hospitals in the city, local civic officials said, adding that the cause of the fire was being investigated.

Firefighting crews were still working to control the blaze, which broke out early Friday, with 20 fire engines and ambulances at the scene, said an official at the fire services control room. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media.

An investigation has been opened into the cause of the fire. ■