A 41-year-old patient tragically lost her life after setting herself on fire in an isolated ward at Durban’s Clairwood Hospital.
Story Summary:
- A 41-year-old patient set herself on fire at Clairwood Hospital, leading to her death and the destruction of the internal medicine unit.
- Twenty-three other patients were evacuated safely, and no other injuries were reported.
- Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident to determine what might have driven the woman to commit suicide in such a tragic manner.
Clairwood hospital fire: What we know so far
The incident occurred in the early hours of Thursday morning, causing extensive damage to the hospital’s internal medicine unit.
According to reports, the woman deliberately ignited the fire inside the isolation ward, leading to the complete destruction of the area.
Hospital staff quickly responded to the crisis, managing to safely evacuate 23 patients from an adjacent ward.
While those patients were unharmed, they were relocated to other parts of the hospital as firefighters from the eThekwini Fire Department battled the flames.
The KwaZulu-Natal Health Department has confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances leading to this tragedy.
As the woman’s suicide method was both extreme and painful, authorities and medical staff are examining potential motives and psychological factors that might have driven her to take her own life in such a manner.
Preliminary insights suggest that the woman may have been battling severe mental health issues, though no official details about her condition have been released.
- In South Africa, there are many resourceful organisations that are ready to assist you and your loved one in dealing with suicidal triggers. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is the country’s largest mental health advocacy group, and their 24-hour hotline is free to use if you or a loved one needs help. You can reach them on 0800 456 789 (24 hours a day), SMS 31393, or visit their website for more info and help.
