JOHANNESBURG – The Accident and Emergency Unit at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital has been temporarily closed after a fire broke out on Saturday afternoon.
The incident has led to a swift evacuation of approximately 50 patients to safer areas within the facility. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties were reported.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) confirmed that the fire was swiftly contained and did not spread beyond the emergency area. Firefighters from the City of Ekurhuleni and Gauteng EMS are currently on site to assess damage and support recovery efforts.
Gauteng Head of Health, Lesiba Malotana, assured families that their loved ones remain safe:
“All other areas of the hospital remain functional and operational. Those who have family members in the hospital must be rest assured that their family members are not in any danger and have been taken care of.”
The hospital is currently not receiving new emergency patients and will remain on divert until further notice. However, contingency plans have been put in place to ensure continued emergency services to the community during the unit’s closure.
In the wake of the incident, members of the public concerned about their loved ones are advised to contact 011 923 2000 for updates. The department has also issued additional contact points for queries and feedback:
- Email: patientscomplaints.health@gauteng.gov.za
- SMS: 35023
- 24-hour line: 0800 203 886
A pattern of fire emergencies raises national alarm
This incident at Tembisa Hospital adds to a growing list of concerning fire emergencies in South Africa. Just two months ago, Cape Town’s Table Mountain was engulfed by a fierce wildfire that raged for days, forcing road closures and putting nearby residential areas at risk. Read the full Table Mountain fire report.
In 2023, a deadly fire in a Johannesburg CBD building claimed the lives of 76 individuals, including 12 children – and has been a cause of a special Investigation helmed by retired judge Sisi Khampepe.
These escalating incidents are a sobering reminder of the urgent need for improved fire prevention and emergency preparedness across the country.
Public urged to stay clear and use alternate routes
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, and the Gauteng Department of Health has committed to keeping the public informed of any developments.
In the meantime, residents and motorists are urged to avoid the vicinity of Tembisa Hospital to ensure unimpeded access for first responders.
The GDoH added:
“The fire only affected the Accident and Emergency Unit and not other wards.”
For further updates, follow @GautengHealth on X or visit the official GadoH website.
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