The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed that a fire incident at the psychiatric unit of the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital has resulted in the death of a 35-year-old female patient.

According to a statement, the patient was admitted on 20 June 2024. She was placed in a seclusion room on Monday as part of her prescribed treatment when at around 18:35, smoke and a small fire broke out.

‘Immediate actions were taken to safeguard the safety and well-being of patients. The fire was quickly contained and extinguished by the fire brigade, but unfortunately, the patient in the seclusion room sustained fatal injuries.

‘Seventeen other patients in the unit were successfully evacuated and temporarily relocated to a different wing of the psychiatric department as a precautionary measure,’ the statement read.

According to the department, the cause of the fire is still unknown at this stage and the incident has been reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for further investigation.

‘The departm
ent wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the patient’s family as they mourn the sudden passing of their daughter.’

The provincial department said both the bereaved family and the families of the 17 patients will be taken through a debriefing.

‘Counselling services will also be made available to them.’

Source: South African Government News Agency