Fire at Khulna Medical College Hospital brought under control

A fire broke out at Khulna Medical College Hospital, leaving at least five people injured, including hospital staff and Fire Service personnel, has been brought under control.

The blaze started around 6:00am on the third floor of the hospital early Wednesday (May 20), reportedly in a storeroom near the operation theatre (OT) complex.

Ten Fire Service units doused the fire after nearly an hour-long effort.

Fire Service officials said initial teams faced difficulties entering the building as several gates were locked and had to be forced open. Four to five people were rescued from balconies during the operation.

The injured include staff member Saidur Rahman, senior nurses Nowrin, Dipali and Sharmin, and Fire Service member Touhid. They were given primary treatment.

Hospital sources said most patients and attendants were asleep when the fire broke out. Panic spread quickly as smoke filled parts of the building, prompting patients and attendants to evacuate and move some patients to other facilities.

Witnesses also reported significant damage to the OT area.

Hospital Residential Medical Officer Dr. Hossain Ali said preliminary findings suggest the fire may have originated from an electrical short circuit or an air-conditioner explosion, though the exact cause will be confirmed after investigation.

Ansar Commander ACP Md. Ariful Islam said two nurses and a Fire Service member were injured when metal grills collapsed while being cut during rescue efforts. They were later given primary treatment and sent to a local medical facility.