Maha Christopher
A fire outbreak on Monday disrupted activities at the oncology department of National Hospital Abuja, forcing the emergency evacuation of patients and medical personnel from the affected unit.
According to Vanguard, the incident was reportedly caused by an electrical fault and was quickly brought under control before it could spread to other parts of the hospital.
Patients receiving treatment at the oncology unit, including those undergoing chemotherapy and emergency care, were immediately moved to safer areas within the facility as a precautionary measure.
A witness at the hospital said the incident began after repeated power fluctuations were noticed in the department, adding that the electricity supply had been unstable before it eventually went off completely.
The source explained that a strong burning smell, believed to have come from electrical wiring, was detected shortly before smoke spread through the unit.
Medical personnel and patients were subsequently instructed to evacuate the building, while those receiving treatment were relocated to other sections of the hospital to continue receiving care.
Although no casualties were recorded, smoke reportedly lingered around the affected area for hours after the incident, leading hospital authorities to temporarily suspend activities at the oncology department.
Hospital officials confirmed that investigations have commenced to determine the exact cause of the outbreak, while assuring the public that no injuries or deaths were recorded.
