Fire outbreak forces evacuation at Abuja National Hospital

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.

Vanguard learnt that the incident, which was reportedly triggered by an electrical fault, was quickly contained before it could spread to other sections of the hospital.

Patients receiving treatment at the oncology unit, including those undergoing chemotherapy and emergency care, were moved to safer areas within the facility as a precautionary measure.

A witness at the hospital told journalists the incident began after repeated electrical fluctuations in the unit, adding that the power supply had been unstable before it eventually went out completely.

The source further explained that a strong burning smell, believed to be from electrical wiring, was noticed before smoke began to spread through the department.

The witness also noted that patients and medical staff were immediately instructed to evacuate the building, while those receiving treatment were relocated to other units within the hospital for continued care.

Although no casualties were recorded, smoke was said to have lingered around the affected area hours after the incident, prompting hospital authorities to temporarily suspend operations in the oncology unit.

While investigations have commenced to determine the exact cause of the outbreak, hospital officials confirmed that no injuries or deaths occurred as a result of the fire.