The DA in Limpopo is calling for a thorough investigation into the fire at the FH Odendaal Hospital in Modimolle and the circumstances surrounding it.

The fire broke out in the Covid-19-ward of the hospital early this morning and resulted in the death of two people in the facility.

It is critical for the Limpopo Department of Health and MEC Phophi Ramathuba to launch an immediate investigation into the cause of the fire and to assess the extent of the damage.

An incident like this raises issues around the hospital's compliance with the prescribed norms and standards of the Office of Health Standards Compliance (OHSC) and whether this fire was caused by human error or if it was caused by faulty electrical installations or machinery and if there were functioning fire extinguishers in the facility.

The Department must also move patients affected by the fire to other wards or facilities dependent on the extent of the damage caused by the fire.

We would like to commend the quick response from the fire department and police to the fire at the hospital.

The DA sends our heartfelt condolences to the loved ones of those who lost their lives and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

Issued by DA