Patients evacuated as fire disrupts operations at Abuja National Hospital
Patients at the oncology unit of the National Hospital, Abuja, were on Monday evacuated following a fire outbreak that temporarily disrupted activities at the facility.
The incident, reportedly caused by an electrical fault, affected the hospital’s oncology department, prompting the emergency relocation of patients and medical staff to safer areas within the hospital.
According to reports, patients receiving treatment, including those undergoing chemotherapy and emergency care, were swiftly moved to alternative units as authorities worked to contain the situation.
A witness at the hospital said the fire was preceded by repeated power fluctuations and the smell of burning electrical wires.
“At first the light kept flickering before power went out completely. After that, there was a strong smell like something electrical was burning, but nobody immediately realised how serious it was,” the witness said.
The witness added that smoke later spread through the area, leading to an immediate evacuation order.
“Not long after, smoke started spreading through the area and everyone was asked to leave the building immediately. Patients in the emergency ward and those receiving chemotherapy were evacuated and moved to other units for treatment,” the source added.
The fire was eventually brought under control before spreading to other sections of the hospital, with no casualties recorded.
Although the affected area remained smoky hours after the incident, hospital authorities temporarily relocated operations from the oncology unit while investigations continued to determine the exact cause of the fire.
