Student nurse burns to death in his res room

Johannesburg - A nursing student was burnt to death inside his residence room at the RK Khan Hospital in Chatsworth, KwaZulu-Natal, the health department said on Monday.

The 20-year-old male student died on Sunday at about 16:45 after he was found badly burnt and unconscious inside his locked room, spokesperson Desmond Motha said.

"He had just started his studies at the beginning of July," Motha said.

A nursing assistant apparently noticed the smell of smoke at about 08:00 and decided to check the rooms in the residence. When the assistant arrived at the student's room, they found the door was locked and hot.

"He called for help. Another staff member arrived and broke down the door. At this point, the nursing student was on the floor and the room was on fire.

"While attempts were made to extinguish the fire, the nursing student was put on a stretcher and rushed to the resuscitation room for medical assistance," Motha said.

The student succumbed to his injuries while in hospital.

"The MEC is deeply saddened by this tragedy," Motha said.

Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo was expected to visit the student's family on Tuesday.

The department sent its condolences to the student's family.