RIYADH – Rescue workers evacuated all patients admitted to Riyadh's Al-Hammadi Hospital after a fire broke out in the hospital's basement on Sunday, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. Rescue teams belonging to Riyadh Health Affairs, the Civil Defense and Saudi Red Crescent Society swung into action the moment the fire was reported, SPA said quoting official sources. At least 35 patients in the hospital's in-patient wards, including 18 in the intensive care unit, were transferred to nearby hospitals. In the meantime, Civil Defense firefighting units brought the fire under control. Thick smoke billowed from the hospital building after electricity cables in the basement floor caught fire, creating panic among patients and hospital staff. No deaths or injuries were reported from the fire or during the evacuation process. An investigation has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.
