Paarl Hospital fire update: pregnant patients relocated and others evacuated, no injuries reported
The fire at Paarl hospital
Image: Video screenshot
A sudden blaze sent plumes of smoke through Paarl Hospital on Tuesday, forcing the full evacuation of the facility as emergency services raced to contain a fire that threatened patient safety and critical health services.
The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness confirmed that a small section of Paarl Hospital was affected by the fire, which was quickly brought under control.
Hospital staff, the Drakenstein Municipality’s Fire Services, SAPS and local law enforcement were praised for their swift and coordinated response.
Early indications suggest that a vehicle parked adjacent to the hospital building caught alight, with the flames spreading to the structure.
The exact cause will be confirmed once investigations have been concluded.
As a precautionary measure, smoke from the incident necessitated the full evacuation of the hospital. Patients were safely moved, and the phased reopening of clinical areas is now under way as sections of the facility are assessed and declared safe. Authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported.
The Outpatient Department sustained extensive damage as a result of the fire. Maternity patients have since been relocated to other healthcare facilities to ensure continuity of care, while contingency plans have been implemented to manage patient flow during the recovery period.
Western Cape MEC of Health and Wellness, Mireille Wenger, said patient and staff safety had been the top priority throughout the incident.
“Our immediate priority was the safety of patients, staff and visitors, and I want to commend the hospital teams and emergency services for acting swiftly and professionally under pressure,” Wenger said.
“Thanks to their coordinated response, patients were safely relocated and no injuries were reported. We are now focused on restoring services as quickly and safely as possible, while ensuring continuity of care for all affected patients.”
The department said further updates would be provided as assessments continue and normal hospital operations are progressively restored.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za