The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed that all patients were safely evacuated from the Accident and Emergency unit of Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital following a fire that broke out late afternoon today.
According to authorities, no injuries or casualties have been reported as a result of the incident.
Emergency responders from the City of Ekurhuleni and Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS) have contained the blaze and are currently conducting mop-up operations. Teams on site are assessing the extent of physical damage while verifying the status of all patients who were in the affected areas.
Department spokesperson Motaletale Modiba reassured the public that the fire was confined to the Accident and Emergency Unit. “It is important to assure the public and families whose loved ones are receiving treatment at the hospital that the fire only affected the Accident and Emergency Unit and not other wards,” Modiba stated.
While the cause of the fire remains under investigation, the hospital has temporarily suspended intake of new patients.
“The Tembisa Tertiary Hospital is currently not receiving patients and will remain on divert until further notice,” the Department confirmed.
Officials have promised to keep the public updated as more information becomes available.