The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed that a fire broke out at Sebokeng Hospital on Thursday afternoon, leading to the evacuation of more than 30 patients from the casualty department.
According to the department, the fire originated in a psychiatry holding room within the casualty unit, where mental healthcare users are temporarily accommodated due to limited ward capacity. It is believed that a patient ignited a blanket, causing smoke to spread through parts of the department.
Emergency procedures were immediately implemented, with hospital staff and security personnel successfully containing the fire before it could spread further. As a precaution, patients from various units, including emergency, obstetric and mental healthcare cases, were evacuated from the affected area.
No injuries or fatalities were reported. Hospital management has since begun relocating patients while ensuring that medical care continues without disruption.
The incident comes weeks after a similar fire at Paarl Hospital, where a blaze was also contained quickly and patients were safely evacuated. Authorities say swift responses in both cases helped prevent injuries and further damage.
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