Pretoria – The fire that broke out at the Dihlabeng Regional Hospital in Bethlehem in the Free State has been successfully extinguished.
The fire broke out in the hospital’s kitchen in the early hours of Tuesday.
In total, 103 patients, who were on the fourth floor, were successfully evacuated to the casualty area of the hospital and were later returned to their wards.
It was reported that no patients were injured or treated for smoke inhalation.
Free State Health Department spokesperson, Elke de Witt, said the fire did not cause much structural damage, except for kitchen equipment.
“The cause of the fire is still unknown and we are expecting a detailed report from the fire brigade soon,” she said.
A clean-up operation is underway to ensure that the kitchen is fully operational as soon as possible.
According to De Witt, a contingency plan is in place to ensure patients receive meals throughout the day.
The kitchen at nearby Phekolong Hospital and sub-kitchens at Dihlabeng hospital are being used.
“We apologise for any inconvenience to patients but we are satisfied that the response to this potential crisis was rapid and efficient,” said De Witt. – SAnews.gov.za
