The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed that a fire broke out at Sebokeng Hospital on Thursday afternoon, prompting the evacuation of more than 30 patients from the facility’s casualty department.
According to the department, the fire started in a psychiatry holding room within the casualty unit, where mental healthcare users are temporarily accommodated due to psychiatric wards operating at full capacity.
“It is alleged that one of the patients ignited a blanket, resulting in smoke spreading across parts of the department,” the department said.
Emergency protocols were swiftly activated, with hospital staff and security personnel managing to contain the fire before it could spread further.
“As a precautionary measure, more than 30 patients were safely evacuated from the area,” the department said, noting that those moved included “patients across various categories including emergency cases, mental healthcare users and obstetric patients.”
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
“No patient injuries or fatalities have been reported as a result of the incident,” the department confirmed.
Hospital management has since begun relocating affected patients while ensuring uninterrupted medical care.
“Hospital management and clinical teams are currently facilitating the transfer of affected patients to appropriate wards and ensuring continuity of care,” the department said.
The incident follows a similar fire at Paarl Hospital in the Western Cape last month, where a blaze broke out but was quickly brought under control.
According to the department, “the fire was quickly contained,” with emergency services and hospital staff responding rapidly to the situation.
As a precaution, the affected section of the hospital and surrounding areas were evacuated, with patients moved safely.
“Patients impacted by the evacuation were safely moved. No injuries have been reported,” the department confirmed.
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