Watch| Fire Forces ICU Evacuation At Steve Biko Academic Hospital

A fire at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Tshwane in the early hours of Saturday forced the evacuation of patients from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after smoke filled the ward. Emergency responders and hospital staff worked together to ensure the safety of all patients and staff during the incident.

The fire, reported at approximately 12:45 a.m., triggered a swift response from Tshwane emergency services. Firefighters from three stations were dispatched to the scene and immediately joined the hospital’s ongoing evacuation efforts upon arrival.

Origin Of The Fire

Tshwane emergency services spokesperson Lindsay Mnguni stated that the fire originated in the plant room on the hospital’s seventh floor. The cause was linked to the Uninterrupted Power System (UPS), which uutiliseslithium-ion batteries as a backup power source. One of the hospital’s electricians successfully isolated the power supply to prevent further damage.

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As the fire emitted thick smoke, the ICU on the sixth floor became engulfed. The ward housed 21 patients, including 20 adults and one child, all of whom were safely relocated to unaffected ICU wards within the hospital.

To combat the smoke, firefighters deployed three mechanical ventilation units to clear the air. The fire was completely extinguished by 4:42 a.m., with no injuries reported.

Ongoing Investigation

The precise cause of the fire remains under investigation. Hospital management and emergency services are collaborating to assess the damage and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The hospital has commended its staff and the firefighters for their prompt actions, which ensured the safety of all patients and staff during this critical situation.

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