Fire Outbreak Triggers Panic, Emergency Evacuation at National Hospital Abuja

Patients and medical personnel at the National Hospital Abuja were thrown into panic on Monday after a fire outbreak disrupted activities at the hospital’s oncology department, forcing an emergency evacuation of the affected section.

The incident, reportedly linked to an electrical fault, was however swiftly contained before it spread to other parts of the facility.

Sources within the hospital said patients receiving treatment at the oncology unit, including those undergoing chemotherapy and emergency care, were immediately relocated to safer sections as smoke spread through the department.

Eyewitnesses disclosed that the incident followed repeated power fluctuations in the unit earlier in the day.

According to hospital sources, electricity supply became unstable before power suddenly went off completely, after which a strong burning smell suspected to have originated from electrical wiring was noticed.

Moments later, smoke reportedly filled parts of the department, prompting an immediate evacuation by hospital staff.

Medical personnel were seen moving patients out of the affected building while emergency response measures were activated to contain the situation and prevent further damage.

Although no casualty was recorded, operations at the oncology department were temporarily suspended as smoke lingered around the area for several hours.

Hospital authorities have since commenced investigations to determine the exact cause of the fire, while assuring patients and the public that no lives were lost in the incident.

The development sparked concern among patients and visitors, given the sensitivity of the oncology unit, where many critically ill patients receive specialised treatment.