The Free State Department of Health says no one has died nor injured as a result of the fire that broke out this afternoon at National District Hospital in Bloemfontein.

Health Department Spokesperson Mondli Mvambi says all patients have been accounted for.

Eighty-three patients have been evacuated after the fire started outside the Paediatric Ward and caught the trees spreading to the first floor and second floor of the hospital.

Mvambi says Mangaung Metro Fire and Rescue Services along with various EMS Services of the State and private sector are assisting with the safe evacuation of patients.

“There were 83 patients in the wards and 23 were transferred to Botshabelo District Hospital. The remaining 50 were temporarily moved to Gateway Clinic from where they are being taken to Universitas Academic Hospital, Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital and MUCPP. Patients are prioritised in line with the need for continuous care in line with their various ailments.”

Mvambi says the cause of the fire is unknown.