A patient has died following a fire at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi on Tuesday night. The blaze broke out in an isolation ward during visiting hours, prompting a swift response from hospital staff.
According to Health Department spokesperson Nathi Oliphant, the fire was allegedly sparked when the patient ignited a cigarette lighter near his oxygen mask, which was connected to the hospital’s oxygen main line. The resulting fire was contained within his single-bed cubicle.
Another patient alerted nurses, who acted quickly to extinguish the flames using fire extinguishers and water, with the hospital’s sprinkler system also activating. Despite their efforts, the 39-year-old patient sustained severe burns and succumbed to his injuries.
No other injuries were reported, but as a precaution, some patients were moved to other medical wards. The patient had been admitted to the hospital on Friday.