IPOH (Bernama): A preliminary investigation by the Perak Health Department found that the fire in an isolation room in Slim River Hospital on Wednesday (Aug 11) night was not caused by an oxygen tank, which had earlier been reported to have caught fire.

       State Health director Datuk Dr Ding Lay Ming (pic) said further investigations into the cause of the 7.20pm incident were being carried out by the hospital and the Fire and Rescue Department.

       "The fire involved a male patient who was placed in the room.

       "Nurses and healthcare assistants on duty immediately evacuated the patients to safety,” she said.

       She said the fire had resulted in the victim suffering 9% burns to the hands, and he was given further treatment.

       Dr Ding added that the patient, in his 40s, was now in stable condition.

       On Wednesday, personnel from the Slim River Fire and Rescue Station were deployed to the hospital, but the fire was successfully put out by hospital staff. About 5% of the isolation room was damaged in the incident. - Bernama