Inquest launched into fire that claimed hospital patient’s life
Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk says police have opened an inquest document that will be sent to court.
Police have launched an inquest into the fire that claimed a patient’s life at Dr George Mukhari Hospital on Monday afternoon, June 24.
Police spokesperson Warrant Officer Johan van Dyk said an inquest docket has been opened for investigation and would be sent to court for a decision.
He said no arrests had been made yet as they were waiting for the inquest to be completed.
A female patient, who had been admitted for only four days to the psychiatric ward at a north of Pretoria hospital, lost her life when a fire broke out on Monday.
The 35-year-old female patient died after 17 other patients were safely relocated due to a fire at Dr George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa.
Gauteng Department of Health spokesperson, Motalatale Modiba, said one patient died after being admitted to the hospital on June 20.
“She was placed in a seclusion room [on June 24], as part of her prescribed treatment,” said Modiba.
“At around 18:35, a smouldering small fire broke out from the seclusion room,” he said.
Modiba said 17 other patients in the unit were safely removed and temporarily relocated to a different wing of the psychiatric department as a precautionary measure.
He said the cause of the fire was not yet known.
“The department wishes to extend our deepest condolences to the patient’s family as they mourn the sudden passing of their daughter,” said Modiba.
He said the victim’s family and the other patients who survived would receive counselling.
According to Tshwane Emergency Services spokesperson Charles Mabaso, firefighters responded to the scene at 18:44 on Monday.
He said upon arrival, firefighters found that hospital staff had already extinguished the fire using portable fire extinguishers. However, despite their efforts, one patient tragically succumbed to her injuries and was declared dead on the scene.
“A female patient suffered burns inside the ward and unfortunately lost her life.”
Mabaso said firefighters conducted ventilation operations to clear the ward of smoke.
WATCH:
ALSO READ: Fire claims woman’s life at Pretoria hospital
Do you have more information about the story?
Please send us an email to bennittb@rekord.co.za or phone us on 083 625 4114.
For free breaking and community news, visit Rekord’s websites: Rekord East
For more news and interesting articles, like Rekord on Facebook, follow us on Twitter or Instagram
