A patient at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, KZN, has died after a cigarette lighter was ignited, allegedly by him, near his oxygen mask, causing a fatal fire.

South Coast Sun reports that the KZN Department of Health (DoH) confirmed the incident in a statement, saying it occurred last night.

“The patient, who had been admitted to the hospital on February 14, was placed in isolation due to his medical condition. The incident took place at about 19:00 during visiting hours. Another patient in the ward 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,” said the DoH.

The fire was contained to his single-bed cubicle. The department confirmed that the facility has running water and that fire detection and sprinkler systems activated to extinguish the fire.

The matron on duty was also notified and assisted in managing the situation. Despite the swift response, the patient sustained severe burns and tragically died.

No other patients or staff members were injured. However, as a precaution, all patients near the affected isolation ward were clinically examined for potential smoke inhalation.

The MEC for Health in KZN, Nomagugu Simelane, expressed her condolences to the deceased’s family and reassured the public that all patients at the hospital are safe and that the situation is under control.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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