Mpilo Hospital staff residence block gutted by fire

by | May 27, 2021 | Local News | 0 comments

 

Alex Samanyanga

Mpilo Hospital Staff residence block was engulfed by fire yesterday night. The cause of the fire is suspected to be an electrical fault.

A statement from the Hospital’s acting Chief Executive Officer, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya puts estimated costs of the damage to property at a staggering US$500 00.

“This is to inform you that last night one of our staff residences was destroyed by a massive fire. It affected 39 health workers and their families.
We were lucky that no one was seriously injured. One person suffered a broken ankle and another had smoke inhalation effects but is stable. Our thoughts are with the affected members and their families. The hospital is arranging temporary alternative accommodation for them,” said acting CEO Prof Ngwenya.

The institution suspects that the fire could have been caused by an electrical fault after one of the staff members reportedly saw some sparks from an electrical distribution box.

“Some staff residents reported seeing sparks of fire from an electrical distribution box and we suspect that this could be the cause of the fire. However, the fire brigade is working on further forensic investigations to establish the exact cause of the fire.”

Mpilo is a 1000 bed referral Hospital that serves mainly Bulawayo, Midlands, Matebeleland North and South Provinces.