Fire in Mitchell's Plain District Hospital Put Out

Robin Carlisle, the Minister of Transport and Public Works, has said that arson was not suspected to be the cause of the fire that broke out in the emergency department of the Mitchell's Plain District Hospital on Wednesday, 9 May 2012.

"We are extremely relieved that construction workers were evacuated timeously and efficiently and that consequently there were no injuries," said Minister Carlisle.

The R400 million hospital is currently under construction.

"We are not sure of the exact cause of the fire, which began at around 10:30, and will await the outcome of the official investigation by the Cape Town Fire Department, which arrived very quickly," said Minister Carlisle.

"The fire was completely extinguished by around 13:45. It caused some damage to an isolated area and fortunately did not spread to the rest of the building."

"Construction at the hospital site has been suspended for the day, although the construction of the road leading to the hospital is continuing full steam ahead."

"Construction on the hospital will commence as soon as the forensic investigators have completed their investigation. We are hoping it will be wrapped up and we will be back on site by Monday, 14 May 2012," said Minister Carlisle.