SEVEN people escaped with minor injuries when the United Bulawayo Hospitals’ main kitchen area caught fire during routine maintenance by the Public Works this Friday.
The hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr William Busumani confirmed the hospital’s kitchen area caught fire when a team from public works was working on replacing oil in their electric oil jacket pots.
“It was around 11 am when a fire explosion broke out in the main kitchen area, the explosion took place when the team from public works was changing oil in one of our electric oil jacket pots,” said Dr Busumani.
Five people from the public works sustained minor injuries, while two student nurses who panicked and jumped from the first floor also sustained minor injuries.
“We thank God no one sustained serious injuries. Seven people sustained minor injuries and all of them are in stable condition,” added Dr Busumani.
Although lunch was delayed because of the unfortunate incident, the hospital has already made arrangements to ensure patients do not sleep on empty stomachs. They are using gas and steam as alternative sources of energy.