A 39-year-old patient died due to a fire at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi on Tuesday evening.
According to the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, the fire was allegedly ignited when the patient, who had been on an oxygen mask connected to a mainline supply, used a cigarette lighter in close proximity to the mask.
The incident had taken place during visiting hours.
"That led to a fire which was contained in his single bed cubicle. Another patient in the ward alerted the nursing staff, who immediately responded to the emergency. The ward was filled with smoke, and the staff quickly retrieved fire extinguishers to contain the blaze.
"The patient who is alleged to have caused the fire sustained severe burns and succumbed to his injuries," said the department in a statement.
The patient was admitted to the hospital just days earlier, on Friday, and was placed in isolation due to his medical condition.
The Department also confirmed that the facility has running water and that emergency protocols seemed to have activated as the fire detection system and water sprinklers also functioned effectively, aiding in the control of the situation.
While the incident claimed one life, hospital officials confirmed that no other patients or staff were injured.
"However, as a precautionary measure, all patients closer to the affected isolation ward were clinically examined for potential smoke inhalation.
"Patients from wards C5 and C6 were relocated to medical wards, while those in isolation were provided with masks and isolated as necessary to ensure their safety."
The MEC for Health in KwaZulu-Natal, Nomagugu Simelane, has expressed her heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased during this difficult time.
She has also urged calm and reassured families with relatives at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital that all patients were safe and that the situation was under control.
The incident was reported to the police for an investigation.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE