Bloemfontein hospital fire caused by discarded lit cigarettes, say Free State Health Dept
The fire broke out in the unit on Sunday night, causing the evacuation of all 83 patients who were admitted to the facility.
Aftermath of the fire that broke out outside a paediatric ward at the Bloemfontein District Hospital on 7 July 2024. Picture: X/_ ArriveAlive
JOHANNESBURG - Free State Department of Health officials say a blaze at the Bloemfontein District Hospital was caused by lit cigarettes left unattended outside a paediatric ward.
The fire broke out in the unit on Sunday night, causing the evacuation of all 83 patients who were admitted to the facility.
No injuries or deaths have been reported.
The department said the blaze was caused by smokers who dropped their cigarette butts in the garden.
“The trees around the area caught fire, and the fire spread into the ground, the first, and second floors of the hospital,” said spokesperson 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 cordoned off the area, declaring it a crime scene for their own full investigation to start.”
The hospital remained empty on Monday and patients were being redirected to other nearby facilities.