UPDATE: Body found days after hospital blaze
45 patients at the Letaba Hospital in Tzaneen were transferred to Van Velden, Dr CN Phathudi and Kgapane Hospitals after the hospital caught fire on Monday
A body was found in the debris of a fire at the Letaba Hospital earlier this week, the Limpopo health department said on Thursday.
The body was found on Wednesday, Macks Lesufi said in a statement.
“The forensic pathologists of both the department and SA Police Service are on site carrying out (an) investigation,” he said.
On Monday, 45 patients at the hospital were evacuated after the psychiatric ward caught fire. The cause was not yet known.
The patients were transferred to three other hospitals in the area.
Police spokeswoman Colonel Ronel Otto said a forensic team would investigate the cause of the fire.
30 SEPT 2014
SOME 45 patients at the Letaba Hospital in Tzaneen were transferred to Van Velden, Dr CN Phathudi and Kgapane Hospitals after the hospital caught fire on Monday.
According to health spokesperson, Macks Lesufi, it was not yet known what the cause of the fire was, however, the hospital’s psychiatric ward, which housed 19 patients, was annihilated by the fire.
“All the patients were successfully evacuated and there were no casualties. The fire was contained through the assistance of the fire department attached to the Greater Tzaneen Municipality.
“Three other wards; maternity, intensive care unit and nursery, were also affected, but they did not burn down,” he said.
Provincial police spokesperson, Col Ronél Otto, said the forensic team would be working at the hospital for a few days to try and find out the cause of the fire. “If it is found that the fire was caused purposely, a case of arson will be opened and investigations will be conducted to arrest the perpetrator,” Otto said.
