Johannesburg: The Gauteng Department of Health has confirmed that no injuries have been sustained following a fire incident at the female psychiatry ward at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital on Monday afternoon.

According to South African Government News Agency, a mental health patient set fire to her bed while demanding to be discharged. The department stated that security personnel responded promptly and effectively to assist in extinguishing the fire. The City of Johannesburg fire department also arrived to address the situation and is currently working to clear the smoke from the affected area.

As a precautionary measure, patients were moved from the ward to allow for a thorough investigation to take place. Police are on-site to assist with this process. The department added that the hospital management and staff have taken immediate measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all patients in the ward.