RIYADH, 23 November 2003 — A fire broke out yesterday morning in a compound housing nurses from the Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital in Al-Sulaimaniya district here putting security forces on full alert. The fire gutted several rooms but was successfully extinguished by the Civil Defense Department.
At least 20 police cars blocked the entrance of Debar Street all the way up to the entrance of the compound near the intersection with Thalatheen Street. In less than 15 minutes, large trucks full of soldiers were deployed to the scene. Special forces officers were putting magazines into their machine guns just before running to the entrance in what appeared to be a terrorist attack.
As clouds of black smoke rose from the scene, police officers near the entrance were holding shotguns and were on full alert. “Check the drivers,” an officer told his men as the water tankers from the Civil Defense arrived. Saudi Red Crescent ambulances were also searched and their drivers’ identification checked before they were allowed on the premises. Journalists were banned from taking photos and were told to leave. Only the Saudi Arabian Television crew was allowed in.
Two Filipina nurses who arrived at the gate were in shock as they saw the smoke rising from the buildings. They told Arab News their friends were still inside. One soldier had to restrain them from going back.
The head of the Civil Defense Department in Riyadh later told the Saudi Press Agency that the fire started at 12:02 a.m. Seven South African nurses as well as five Filipino nurses were admitted to the Riyadh Armed Forces Hospital suffering from smoke inhalation and minor injuries. Sources also told Arab News that two Saudis, including a security guard, also sustained injuries. The statement ruled out arson and said the fire was accidental.
