A patient died in a fire at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, last night. The KZN Department of Health confirmed that the 39-year-old patient had been isolated and placed in his cubicle due to his medical condition.

FIRE STARTED BY CIGARETTE

The department alleges that the patient lit a cigarette lighter while near an oxygen mask that he was wearing. In a statement, the department said that the mask was connected to the oxygen main line, which led to a fire that was contained in the patient's single-bed cubicle. The department said it was another patient in the ward that alerted the nursing staff, who immediately responded to the emergency. "Upon arrival, the ward was filled with smoke and the staff quickly retrieved fire extinguishers to contain the blaze. The department can also confirm that the facility has running water, fire detection and water sprinklers also kicked in, and that they augmented in extinguishing the fire."

IT HAPPENED SO FAST 

It is said that despite the matron also assisting in managing the situation and the nurse's swift response, the patient sustained severe burns and tragically succumbed to his injuries. "No other patients or staff members were injured in the incident. 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 are safe and that the situation is under control. The incident has been reported to the South African Police Service, who are currently on-site conducting an investigation.