Tembisa Hospital on divert after emergency unit fire
"The affected section is separate from the wards, so there is no immediate need for further evacuations,” said Arnold Malotana.
The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed that all patients were safely evacuated from the Accident and Emergency Unit of Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital following a fire incident on April 19.
The fire, which broke out in the casualty section of the hospital shortly after 15:00, was contained within a few hours.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Firefighters from the City of Ekurhuleni and Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) responded swiftly and managed to contain the blaze.
They remain on site conducting mop-up operations and assessing the extent of the damage.
“At around 15:00, a fire was reported near the emergency exit of the hospital.
“At the time, there were 79 patients in the area, monitored by six security guards.
Also read: Fire at Tembisa Hospital – Public urged to avoid area
“All patients have since been removed, and the fire has been contained,” said Arnold Malotana, head of the Gauteng Department of Health.
He confirmed that the fire was restricted to the emergency unit, and other parts of the hospital remain fully operational.
However, the hospital is currently on divert, meaning it will not receive new patients until further notice.
“No lives have been lost. The affected section is separate from the wards, so there is no immediate need for further evacuations,” Malotana added.
Also read: Tembisa Hospital fire: All patients are safe – DoH
The hospital remains under the supervision of EMS and other emergency stakeholders.
The public has been advised to seek medical care at alternative facilities until Tembisa Hospital resumes full operations.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and remains under investigation. The Department of Health has committed to providing ongoing updates.
Also read: Tembisa Hospital fire contained, services remain on scene
Executive Mayor of Ekurhuleni, Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, visited the scene and expressed concern over the impact of the incident.
He refrained from commenting on the possible cause, stating that the matter is under active investigation.
@kemptonexpress April 19, 2025 – A fire has broken out at Tembisa Hospital, located on Flint Mazibuko Street in Tembisa. Emergency services are currently on the scene. Members of the public are urged to avoid the area to allow responders space to operate and to use alternative routes until the situation is under control and the scene has been cleared. Updates will follow as more information becomes available. #localnews #Thembisa #Fire #TiktokNews #cityofekurhuleni #emergencyservices #TembisaHospital ♬ original sound – KemptonExpress
