Six-year-old boy suffers severe burns after falling into a bathtub in Tshwane

NATIONAL NEWS - A six-year-old Olievenhoutbosch, Tshwane, boy is in stable condition after sustaining severe burn injuries during an accident last night.

According to an article published by Pretoria Rekord, Community Emergency Response Team South Africa (Cert SA) spokesperson Ruan Heyns says the incident occurred around 17:30 when the child fell into a bathtub, filled with hot water, at his home.

Heyns confirmed that the Centurion Cert SA team was dispatched to the scene immediately after the distress call was received.

“When we arrived, the boy had sustained significant burn injuries.

“Our team worked quickly to provide immediate care and stabilise him before he was transported to a local hospital,” he says.

He says the boy was under advanced paramedic care when transferred by Gauteng Emergency Medical Services (EMS).

While the circumstances surrounding the incident are unclear, Heyns says the swift response from community members and provincial emergency services played a crucial role in ensuring the child received prompt medical attention.

“We are deeply grateful to the Good Samaritans from the community and provincial EMS who stepped in to help on the scene,” he says.

Emergency responders extended their best wishes to his family.

“Our hearts go out to the boy and his loved ones. We sincerely hope for his full and speedy recovery,” Heyns says.

To help prevent similar accidents, Cert SA shared the following safety tips for parents and caregivers:

Check water temperature

Always test bathwater before allowing a child to get in. Use your elbow or a bath thermometer; the ideal temperature is 37–38°C (98–100°F).
Install anti-scald devices on taps to regulate water temperature.

Fill the tub safely

Run cold water first, then add hot water.
Turn off the hot water first when adjusting the temperature to prevent scalding.

Supervise at all times

Never leave young children unattended in or near a bath.
Keep everything within reach (towels, soap) to avoid stepping away.

Secure the bathroom

Keep the bathroom door closed when not in use.
Use a childproof lock on the hot water tap if possible.

Educate your child

Teach children that hot water can cause burns and to always wait for an adult before touching taps.
Encourage them to sit down in the tub rather than standing or moving around unsupervised.
Set your water heater/geyser to a safe temperature.
Lower your geyser/water heater temperature to no more than 49°C (120°F) to reduce the risk of severe burns.

Emergency action for burns