A patient died after lighting a cigarette while apparently wearing an oxygen mask – which then sparked a fire – said the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health.
The tragedy took place during visiting hours at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital in Umlazi, Durban, on Tuesday.
The patient (39), had been admitted the previous Friday and placed in isolation due to his condition, which has not been disclosed.
Nurses had immediately responded with extinguishers when the blaze broke out, said the department, adding that the water sprinklers had also kicked in and helped put out the fire.
However, despite the swift response, the man was severely burned and died from his injuries.
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