In the early hours of Saturday, a fire engulfed the Emergency and Accident Unit of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital in Ogbomoso, Oyo State, destroying properties worth millions of naira.
Reports indicate that the fire started around 5 a.m. in a pediatric consultant’s office, with an electrical spark suspected as the cause. The blaze led to significant losses, including medical equipment, books, engines, and electronic devices, while also damaging the roofs and ceilings of the affected areas.
Sixteen patients were promptly evacuated from the unit to ensure their safety. Thankfully, no casualties were reported during the incident.
The hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Omotayo Ogunleye, confirmed the incident but assured the public that normal operations resumed soon after the fire was extinguished.
In a statement, the hospital management emphasized that the situation was contained with minimal disruption.
“The fire incident was put out without any remarkable damage to the hospital. No human harm was recorded, and light has been restored in the affected section,” the management stated.
The hospital credited the state fire service and staff for their quick response, which prevented the fire from spreading further.
While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, management has urged the public to remain calm. “Everyone is advised to go about their normal daily activities without fear,” the statement added.
This incident underscores the need for heightened safety measures in critical healthcare facilities to prevent future occurrences.