Hundreds of patients relocated following fire at Pretoria East Hospital
A fire at Netcare Pretoria East Hospital led to the evacuation of hundreds of patients to ensure their safety.
Reports indicate that a fire erupted at Netcare Pretoria East Hospital on the evening of December 5, 2024, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of patients.
According to the Pretoria Rekord, the patients were believed to have been transported to nearby hospitals by emergency services. Numerous images shared on social media showed bellows of black smoke coming from the hospital building. Patients were assembled outside and others believed to be loved ones and onlookers were at the Netcare Pretoria East Hospital.
NETCARE EXPLAINS FIRE AT PRETORIA EAST HOSPITAL
Lynne O’Connor, the spokesperson for Netcare, spoke to Newzroom Afrika and gave an update on the fire. She confirmed the fire at the hospital and further explained: “The fire is currently under control and we are moving our patients back into their wards.”
O’Connor further said they didn’t know at the time how the fire started but that there would be an investigation. However, she did reveal that it began by the theatre area of the hospital. She praised the emergency services for their swift response and being able to quickly deal with the blaze.
Regarding the hospital’s preparation for such occurrences, O’Connor said they were prepared for any eventuality. She said: “Disaster management protocols were followed very swiftly. Patients were evacuated as soon as the alarm went off and no one was in any danger.”
She expressed how grateful she was that nobody got injured, and that part of the hospital was now accessible to patients.
ACTIONSA MMC FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY GIVES UPDATES
ActionSA’s MMC for Community Safety, Hannes Coetzee, was also at the scene and gave updates. Coetzee said an inspection would be conducted and feedback given regarding the fire. He captioned the series of videos he posted on X:
“Just leaving the Pretoria east hospital where a fire broke out and our emergency teams responded, all patient were moved outside for safety reasons. Fire extinguished and safe to move patients back in. No injuries, thank you to our teams.”