The Free State Department of Health says the National District Hospital, which was damaged by fire on Sunday (5/7), will remain closed until the SAPS forensic units complete their investigations.

83 patients were safely evacuated and transported to various hospitals within the Mangaung Metro Area after a fire broke out at one of the wards. No injuries or fatalities were reported as a result of the fire. Free State Health spokesperson Mondli Mvambi confirmed the arrival of the SAPS forensic unit at the hospital and stated that the department is uncertain about the duration of the investigation. He said once the forensic unit completes its work, the Department of Labour and Employment will determine when the Department of Health can regain access to the building.

"As it stands the National District Hospital is closed, and the Department of Health does not have access to that building at all. The department apologises for any inconveniences that this fire incident might have caused to the families of the [previously] deceased whose bodies are still kept at the hospital mortuary, as well as to members of the public who can't access health services at the district hospital," Mvambi said.

Mvambi reported that nine bodies of deceased individuals, which were at the National District Hospital prior to the fire, remain in the hospital mortuary. Additionally, important files cannot be accessed. The public is urged to visit their nearest clinic for health services or alternatively go to the Poly Clinic at Pelonomi Hospital, Dr JS Moroka Hospital in Thaba Nchu, or Botshabelo District Hospital.

He said patients may be sent to any health facility in Mangaung due to shortages of beds and this may include patients being transported from Bloemfontein to hospitals in Botshabelo, Thaba Nchu, Ladybrand and Trompsburg. Patients will be transported there and will be safely returned to Bloemfontein upon being discharged.

‘Carbon monoxide is a real threat as we have seen with the recent loss of life’

Meanwhile, Free State Agriculture MEC Elizabeth Cornelia Rockman urges residents to take all necessary precautions to prevent further tragedies.

“It's a difficult season from now until September, but realistically probably until the end of October. We need to call on people to ensure that our fire prevention measures are in place and take particular care to ensure we put out fires properly for cooking and heating purposes. We must also ensure that we do not make fires in an enclosed space; carbon monoxide is a real threat as we have seen with the recent loss of life,” she said.

Four casualties were reported yesterday when a house burnt down after the strong wind fanned flames from burning debris at Langenhovenpark in Bloemfontein. This was after someone allegedly set alight waste and due to the strong wind, the debris blew towards a house and ignited the fire.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg