By Adeyinka Adeniran
An early morning inferno at a section of the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan sent an early jitter among patients, staffs and visitors to the facility Sunday morning.
The fire incident, it was gathered was caused by a spark at the change over box at the Medicine Laboratory on the 3rd floor of the hospital.
Sources said the fire was however limited to the charge over panel in one of the rooms.
No major damage was recorded in the incident, according to sources.
Another source hinted that the immediate intervention of some courageous staff of the hospital, who were on ground saved the day as they made frantic effort to put out the fire before things would go out of hands.
Confirming the development, the Public Relations Officer of the hospital, Mrs Funmi Adetuyibi said the incident did not in any way disrupt the activities of the hospital.
She added that most of the pictures of the fire outbreak being spread around on social media are not the pictures of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
She explained that the management of the hospital led by the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Prof. Jesse Otegbayo has put in place all necessary measures to prevent such occurrence in the hospital.
She further assures the general public of the safety of lives and property in the hospital.
According to her, the courageous effort of some of the staff of the hospital who were on ground when they noticed the fire coupled with the timely arrival and service of the fire service officials helped to assuage the effects of the outbreak.
Adetuyibi said “The attention of the management of the University College Hospital, Ibadan has been drawn to news making the rounds and viral videos on the fire incident that occurred in the hospital in the early hours of Sunday, 22nd September, 2024.
“The fire incident occurred at about 8.10am on Sunday, 22nd September, 2024. The incident was caused by a spark at the change over box at the Medicine Laboratory on the 3rd floor of the hospital.
“The fire outbreak was limited to the change over panel in one of the rooms in the laboratory. No major damage was recorded.
“The fire was put out immediately by the courageous staff of the hospital who were on ground.
“The Fire Service officials also arrived on time and rendered excellent service to assuage the effects of the outbreak. The incident did not in any way disrupt the activities of the hospital.
“Most of the pictures of the fire outbreak being spread around are not pictures of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
“The management of the hospital under the leadership of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo has put in place all necessary measures to prevent such occurrence in the hospital.
“The general public is hereby assured of the safety of lives and property in the Hospital.
“The CMD expresse deep appreciation for the support shown and given to the Hospital at all times.”
