More than 30 patients were safely evacuated after a fire broke out in the psychiatry unit at Sebokeng Hospital. Picture Credit: Facebook
By Aisha Zardad
Gauteng — A fire that broke out at Sebokeng Hospital on Thursday afternoon forced the evacuation of more than 30 patients, the Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed.
The department said the fire originated in a psychiatry holding room within the hospital’s casualty unit, an area used to temporarily house mental healthcare patients due to limited space in psychiatric wards.
“It is alleged that one of the patients ignited a blanket, resulting in smoke spreading across parts of the department,” the department said.
Staff and security acted quickly to activate emergency procedures and contain the fire before it spread.
As a precaution, more than 30 patients — including emergency cases, mental healthcare users, and obstetric patients — were safely evacuated from the affected area.
“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 that medical services continue without disruption.
“Clinical teams are facilitating the transfer of patients to appropriate wards and ensuring continuity of care,” the department added.
The incident comes just weeks after a similar fire at Paarl Hospital, where a blaze was also quickly contained and no injuries were reported.
