MAKKAH, 28 August 2007 — Al-Nour Hospital in the holy city of Makkah evacuated 400 patients on Sunday after the electricity went out for about two hours, according to a local newspaper.
Intensive care patients were supported by emergency power supply. The power outage took place around mid-day. Some people were trapped in elevators. No deaths or injuries were reported.
“I was shocked as were many other people,” said Fahad Guwazi, who was trapped in a lift while he was on his way to the intensive care ward.
He added that the people in the lift weren’t rescued until the power was restored two hours later.
“Suddenly, I saw the hospital staff running back and forth in the dark,” said Hayat Saad, who was visiting a cousin who was being treated at the hospital. “I started to run with them and I didn’t know what is going on or where shall I go.”
The deputy manager of medical affairs in Makkah Husain Ganam said the hospital had nothing to do with the blackout and blames the Saudi Electricity Company.
Ganam also said that when he called the electricity company he was told they admitted there was a problem and said the power would be restored as soon as possible.
