Tembisa, Gauteng – A devastating fire broke out at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital on April 19, 2025, leaving the community in shock and authorities scrambling to respond. The blaze, reported in the late afternoon, rapidly spread through parts of the facility, prompting an urgent evacuation of patients and staff. Emergency services, including the City of Ekurhuleni’s fire and rescue teams, were dispatched to the scene following distress calls, including a public alert on social media urging immediate assistance.
No fatalities or injuries have been reported at this stage, but the extent of the damage to the hospital remains unclear as firefighters battle to contain the flames. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, with investigations set to begin once the situation is under control. Tembisa Hospital, a critical healthcare provider for the Ekurhuleni region, has faced numerous challenges in recent years, including overcrowding, staff shortages, and allegations of mismanagement. This incident adds to the facility’s ongoing struggles, raising concerns about the immediate impact on patient care and the community’s access to medical services.
According to Motalatale Modiba, head of communication for the Gauteng Department of Health, "All patients who were in the Accident and Emergency Unit have been safely evacuated to a secure area within the hospital." Emergency teams remain on site and are monitoring the area to ensure the safety of staff, patients, and infrastructure. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area and seek alternative healthcare facilities for emergencies. Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi stated via social media that emergency teams are attending to the fire situation at Tembisa Hospital and promised a full update later. "The Gauteng Department of Health can confirm that a fire has broken out at Tembisa Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Unit. Currently firefighters and Gauteng EMS are on site attending to the situation," the department tweeted.
Firefighters and Gauteng Emergency Medical Services are still on scene and working to contain the situation. Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesperson Eric Maloka reported that while the fire has been contained, a significant amount of smoke remains in the air. He noted, "The dense smoke is still moving towards the direction of Zamokuhle hospital... we will further investigate if they are affected."
As the firefighting efforts continue, residents and motorists have been urged to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to operate without obstruction. Authorities have requested members of the public to use alternative routes and keep the scene clear of unnecessary traffic.
This fire incident comes at a time when Tembisa Hospital is already under scrutiny for its operational challenges. The facility has been grappling with overcrowding and insufficient resources, which have raised alarm among community members regarding the quality of care provided. With this fire, many are left wondering how the hospital will cope with the added strain on its services.
As investigations into the cause of the fire begin, the Gauteng Department of Health is expected to release a statement detailing the situation and the next steps for the hospital. For now, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of all involved and extinguishing the fire that threatens one of Gauteng’s key hospitals.
In the aftermath of the fire, community leaders are calling for a comprehensive review of safety protocols at Tembisa Hospital and other healthcare facilities in the region. The incident has sparked discussions about the need for better emergency preparedness in hospitals, particularly those that serve large populations.
As firefighters continue to work on the scene, the local community watches anxiously, hoping for a swift resolution to the crisis. The Tembisa Hospital fire serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within the healthcare system and the critical need for robust infrastructure to support emergency services.
With the firefighting efforts ongoing and the investigation into the cause of the blaze just beginning, the community is left in a state of uncertainty. The Gauteng Department of Health is expected to provide updates as the situation develops, but for now, the focus remains on the safety of patients and staff at Tembisa Hospital.
As the smoke clears and the fire is brought under control, many will be looking for answers regarding how such a critical incident could occur and what measures will be put in place to prevent future occurrences. The health and safety of the community depend on a thorough response and accountability from those in charge.
In the coming days, as reports emerge detailing the extent of the damage and the hospital's recovery plan, the community’s resilience will be tested. The hope is that Tembisa Hospital can recover from this incident and continue to serve as a vital healthcare resource for the people of Ekurhuleni.
