On Sunday afternoon, patients were evacuated after a fire erupted at the National District Hospital in Bloemfontein.
According to MondliMvambi, spokesperson for the Free State health department, the fire started outside the pediatric ward at approximately 15:20.
The flames quickly spread to nearby trees and the first and second floors of the hospital.
“This caused smoke to spread throughout the building. The hospital’s disaster plan was immediately activated, and both patients and staff were evacuated,” Mvambi said.
Emergency medical services, both private and state-run, were notified, along with the Mangaung Metro Fire and Rescue Service.
According to Mvambi, the event occurred while 83 patients were in the impacted wards. The remaining sixty were first relocated to Gateway Clinic, then twenty-three were sent to Botshabelo District Hospital.
They are being moved to the MUCPP Health Center, Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital, and Universitas Academic Hospital.
Mvambi added, “There were no fatalities or injuries as a result of the fire. All individuals present in the hospital have been safely accounted for.”
