A tragic fire incident at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi has claimed the life of a 39-year-old patient, the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health confirmed.
The fire broke out on the evening of Tuesday, when the patient, who had been in isolation due to an undisclosed medical condition, allegedly ignited a cigarette lighter while wearing an oxygen mask connected to the main oxygen line.
"It is alleged that the patient ignited a cigarette lighter while in close proximity to an oxygen mask that he was wearing, which is connected to the oxygen main line, that led to a fire that was contained in his single-bed cubicle," the department stated.
The department said the incident occurred around 7pm during visiting hours. Another patient in the ward raised the alarm, prompting an immediate response from nursing staff. Upon arrival, they found the ward filled with smoke and used fire extinguishers to contain the blaze.
"The Department can also confirm that the facility has running water, and that fire detection and water sprinklers also kicked in and augmented in extinguishing the fire," stated the department.
Despite the swift intervention, the patient sustained severe burns and succumbed to his injuries, the department said.
No other patients or staff members were harmed, but as a precaution, all patients near the affected isolation ward were clinically examined for possible smoke inhalation.
The department relocated patients from wards C5 and C6 to medical wards, while those in isolation were provided with masks and kept in separate areas for their safety.
KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Health, Nomagugu Simelane, expressed her heartfelt condolences to the deceased's family and assured the public that the hospital remains safe.
She has also urged calm and reassured families with relatives at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital that all patients are safe and that the situation is under control.
The South African Police Service (SAPS) is currently investigating the incident to determine the full circumstances.