The Medicine laboratory section of the University College Hospital (UCH) was gutted by fire in the early hours of Sunday.
Fortunately, there were no reports of deaths or serious damage.
The incident caused confusion throughout the hospital, with patients and visitors fearing a repeat of a similar incident that occurred in the Intensive Care Unit a few months earlier.
The Hospital’s Public Relations Officer, Funmi Adetuyibi, confirmed the incident in a statement: “The Management of the University College Hospital, Ibadan, has been made aware of the news and viral videos regarding the fire incident that took place in the Hospital on Sunday, 22nd September, 2024.”
“The fire incident occurred at about 8.10am on Sunday, 22nd September, 2024. The incident was caused by a spark at the change over box at the Medicine Laboratory on the 3rd floor of the Hospital.
“The fire outbreak was limited to the change over panel in one of the rooms in the laboratory. No major damage was recorded.
“The fire was put out immediately by the courageous staff of the Hospital who were on ground. The Fire Service officials also arrived on time and rendered excellent service to assuage the effects of the outbreak.
“The incident did not in any way disrupt the activities of the Hospital. Most of the pictures of the fire outbreak being spread around are NOT pictures of the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
“The Management of the Hospital under the leadership of the Chief Medical Director (CMD) Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo has put in place all necessary measures to prevent such occurrence in the Hospital.
“The general public is hereby assured of the safety of lives and property in the Hospital.
“The CMD expresse deep appreciation for the support shown and given to the Hospital at all times”
