HSA fire: Wait for forensics to determine if similar to 2016 blaze - minister
Health Minister Dr Adham Baba today confirmed that a fire broke out in the women’s ward of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) at 3pm and all 24 patients were evacuated to safety.
He said that a small fire broke out, and was extinguished by the Emergency Response Team (ERT) who had been trained to put out fires. However, the fire spread again.
“Firefighters arrived at the scene within five minutes and...
Health Minister Dr Adham Baba today confirmed that a fire broke out in the women’s ward of the Sultanah Aminah Hospital (HSA) at 3pm and all 24 patients were evacuated to safety.
He said that a small fire broke out, and was extinguished by the Emergency Response Team (ERT) who had been trained to put out fires. However, the fire spread again.
“Firefighters arrived at the scene within five minutes and managed to put out the fire 10 minutes later," Dr Adham said.
As of printing time, 10 out of 24 patients were transferred to the Permai Hospital while the rest were placed in other wards in the HSA.
Dr Adham also urged the families of the affected patients to obtain further information on the matter from the hospital.
He said the cause of the fire was still being investigated by the Johor Fire and Rescue Department (JBPM).
When asked if the cause of the fire was similar to the October 2016 fire incident, he said, “We will wait for the JPBM’s forensic report to determine if there are similarities. We will make sure the investigation is completed first.
“In the meantime, the complex (building) which houses the ward will also be closed until a green light is given by JPBM and the Public Works Department to reopen," he said.
When asked whether the Health Ministry would reinspect the entire HSA building following concerns over recurrences of fire in the future, Dr Adham said that it would look into the matter.
In October 2016, a fire broke out on the second floor of the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) which left six dead.
- Bernama
