By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Netcare Pretoria East Hospital has been declared safe after the building caught fire early on Thursday evening.
By 20:00, the fire at the hospital was brought under control.
Fullview learnt the fire may have originated in the hospital’s compressor room, though this has not yet been confirmed.
Netcare spokesperson Lynne O’Connor said firefighters responded speedily and managed to contain the fire.
“Ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients, healthcare workers and visitors is always our primary concern, and we are thankful that no one suffered any harm from the incident. Netcare 911 paramedics, hospital staff members, and several other emergency service providers ensured that the patients were safely evacuated,” she said.
“We are pleased to confirm that the fire department has declared the building safe, and that patients, doctors and staff members have been moved back to the evacuated areas.
O’Connor said the cause of the fire was being investigated, and the extent of the damage would still need to be evaluated.
“We are grateful that everyone was brought to safety and sincerely apologise to the affected patients and their families for the inconvenience.”