JOHANNESBURG – Officials from the Free State Department of Health say a fire at Bloemfontein District Hospital was caused by lit cigarettes left unattended outside a children’s ward.
A fire broke out in the ward on Sunday evening, after which all 83 patients admitted had to be evacuated.
No injuries or deaths have been reported.
According to the department, the fire was caused by smokers dropping their cigarette butts in the yard.
“The trees in the area caught fire and the fire spread to the ground, the first and second floors of the hospital,” said spokesman Mondli Mvambi.
He said an investigation into the incident has been launched and the South African Police Service (SAPS) has declared the hospital a crime scene.
“The SAPS have cordoned off the area and declared it a crime scene so they can conduct their own investigation.”
The hospital remained empty on Monday and patients were transferred to nearby facilities.
EWN
www.ewn.co.za