RIYADH, 24 July 2004 — The case of a fire that threatened the lives of 280 nurses living on a medical compound here is being followed up by Prince Sattam, deputy governor of Riyadh.
Gen. Mesfer Al-Juwaied, general manager for Civil Defense in Riyadh, said the alarm was raised at 4 a.m. on Thursday after a fire was detected in one of the nurses’ apartments. Five fire fighting units, seven rescue teams, 14 ambulances and two helicopters were dispatched to the location.
Sources said that 280 nurses were evacuated safely from the complex, and there was no loss of life.
Several nurses and the building’s security guard suffered smoke inhalation and were transported to a nearby hospital where doctors said that their condition is stable.
Riyadh Health Department manager, Dr. Abdul Aziz Al-Dakheel, said that the 10 injured nurses were all from the Philippines. They are all treated and reportedly in good condition. Only one case still needs further medical attention, he said.
The housing complex was closed while the cause of the fire is being investigated. The nurses have been moved to another building for the time being.
