The mental healthcare user was admitted to the hospital on the 20th of June 2024. She was placed in a seclusion room today (24 June), as part of her prescribed treatment. At around 18h35 in the evening, a smouldering smoke and small fire broke out from the seclusion room.

Immediate actions were taken to safeguard the safety and wellbeing of patients. The fire was quickly contained and extinguished by the fire brigade, but unfortunately the patient in the seclusion room sustained fatal injuries. Seventeen (17) other patients in the unit were successfully evacuated and temporarily relocated to a different wing of the psychiatric department as a precautionary measure.

The cause of the fire is still unknown at this stage. The incident has been reported to the South African Police Service for further investigation.

The department wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the patient’s family as they mourn the sudden passing of their daughter. Both the bereaved family and the families of the 17 patients will be taken through a debriefing. Counselling services will also be made available to them.

Ends//

Issued by the Gauteng Department of Health

Motalatale Modiba, Head of

Communication: 064 803 0808 or

healthmediaenquiries@gauteng.gov.za

For media releases, speeches and news visit the Gauteng Department of Health’s portal at www.gauteng.gov.za