Psychiatric patient accused of starting Charlotte Maxeke Hospital fire

The Gauteng Health Department has confirmed that a fire broke out earlier today at the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital in Parktown, allegedly started by a female psychiatric patient.

The patient reportedly set her bed alight after repeatedly demanding to be discharged from the facility. She was admitted to a ward on the ninth floor. The patient did not sustain any injuries.

ICYMI: Fire contained on ninth floor of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital, investigation underway

The Gauteng Department of Health said that the patient was agitated and frustrated when she started the blaze.

The hospital's security personnel responded swiftly, using fire extinguishers to contain the fire before it could spread further. Patients in the affected ward have been relocated as a safety precaution while a clean-up operation is underway.

Joburg Emergency Medical Services (EMS) spokesperson Kagiso Phasha confirmed that firefighters also attended the scene.

“On arrival, fire crews confirmed that the fire had been extinguished before their arrival,” Phasha said. “We can confirm that no injuries were reported, and the cause of the fire is still a cause of investigation.”

Despite the incident, the hospital remains fully functional.