The Accident and Emergency Ward of the University College Hospital, Ibadan was gutted by fire on Tuesday, the PUNCH reports.
The inferno destroyed some parts of the multi-million Naira building and equipment.
According to eyewitnesses patients were alarmed when they heard a loud explosion, which caused many of them to scamper for safety as they ran in different directions.
The Public Relations Officer in the hospital, Deji Bobade, who spoke with the PUNCH said the fire was caused by an electric spark, and patients in the ward might be relocated to another building as a result of the damage cause by the fire.
An eyewitness, Dolapo Haastrup, said, “I was waiting at the side of the building for a relative who was inside when the explosion occurred. It was a loud one and I understand that it was a gas explosion.
“We all ran away and from where I was, I saw many patients being rushed out. Some were on crushes and even beds. Relatives had to dare the consequences to entre the building and safe their loved ones who were either admitted or who came for treatment at the A&E ward. I cannot say if anyone was injured in the fire, but the building is destroyed.”
Bobade said, “There was no gas explosion. An electric spark started the fire and it was huge. All patients have been evacuated safely. No one was injured in the fire. The damage is massive and with the way things are, we might have to relocate the ward to another building for now.
“It started after 4pm but fire fighters from the UCH, Federal Road Service Corp, the police and other agencies are still here. The fire has been put under control.”
Dolapo is a writer and journalist who works with YNaija. He has interests in Christianity, politics and sports.
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