Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital has reported a fire at its Pediatrics Conference Hall earlier today, 15 January 2026.

Dr Mustapha Bittaye, CMD of the hospital, said all patients and staff were safely evacuated from the affected areas, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Pediatrics Emergency Ward, and Pediatrics Surgery Ward.

He said there were no casualties and everyone in the affected zones is safe and accounted for.

Dr Bittaye expressed gratitude to hospital staff, the Gambia Fire and Rescue Services, and other emergency responders for acting swiftly to prevent injuries.

He added that the fire service remains on-site to secure the area while the hospital’s engineering and facilities teams assess the situation.

Temporary arrangements are being made to relocate patients to newly refurbished wards to ensure continued care.

Dr Bittaye assured the public that patient safety remains the hospital’s top priority and that updates will be provided as needed.

By Adama Makasuba