'It's devastating': Dr. Bill Droege watches fire destroy orthopedic clinic, affecting 70+ patients

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

St. Louis-based Esquire Orthopedic Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine was destroyed by a fire that erupted in the early morning of Jan. 20, local outlet Fox 2 News reported.

Owner and CEO Bill Droege, DC, bought the building 40 years ago and turned it into the St. Louis area's first sports medicine clinic, according to Fox 2 News and NBC affiliate KSDK News.

At least 70 patients were supposed to be seen at the clinic Jan. 20. Dr. Droege plans to meet with the clinic's four other physicians to figure out care plans for those patients.

The practice likely lost several sports memorabilia items that were gifted by celebrity patients, Dr. Droege's daughter told KSDK News.

"I can't tell you how horrible this is," Dr. Droege said in an interview with KSDK News. "To wake up and see 50 years of your business go down the drain, it's devastating."

As he watched the building burn, Dr. Droege shared a message with reporters: "Tell my patients watching this, we'll be back."

The fire started on the roof at about 4 a.m., according to Fox 2 News. Further details weren't immediately available. The outlet didn't report any injuries.

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