One patient dead after fire at Tshwane’s Dr George Mukhari Hospital

JOHANNESBURG - One patient has died following a fire at the Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital in Tshwane.

The Gauteng Department of Health said the blaze affected a psychiatric unit on the same day she was moved there.

Emergency Management Services (EMS) said there was smoke coming from the room.

Department spokesperson, Motlathale Modiba, said that 17 other psychiatric patients have been relocated to another wing of the hospital.

"The Gauteng Department of Health 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."