AN OAP cancer patient has died and two nurses were hospitalised after the man’s bed went up in flames in his hospital ward on Christmas Eve.

The man, in his 80s, suffered horror burn injuries and later died after the tragic incident in St Luke's Hospital in Rathgar, Dublin.

Two nurses were injured when they rushed to his bedside to try put out the blaze after a fire alarm was raised, while two other people also received treatment.

The Fire Brigade was called and the patient was rushed to St James’s Hospital where he was transferred to the burns unit.

However, he was pronounced dead just hours later at the Dublin hospital.

An investigation into the death has been launched by Gardai although they are not treating it as suspicious.

A Garda spokesman said: "Gardaí are investigating the death of man in his 80's that occurred following a fire related incident at a hospital in Rathgar, Dublin 6. This occurred on December 24, at approximately 5.30am.

"The man received serious injuries in the incident and was taken to St James Hospital where he later passed away.

"The scene has been preserved for a technical examination however the incident is not believed to be suspicious at this time."

Four other people also received treatment after the fire and were transferred to other hospitals.

The Irish Daily Mail reported that the fire may have been started as a result of a cigarette.

The Health Information and Quality Authority have also launched an investigation, while the HSE extended its sympathies to the patient who died.

In a statement, they said: "As a result of the incident, three individuals were transferred to St James' Hospital and two were transferred to St Vincent's Hospital for treatment.

"Tragically, one patient who was transferred to St James' Hospital has died as a result of the injuries sustained in the fire.

"The hospital would like to extend its sincere sympathies to the family. The incident will be investigated by the hospital and the relevant authorities."