Two die as fire erupts at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal

Two patient have died during evacuation after a fire erupted in Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital in Barishal.

The deceased have been identified as Kazi Ataur Rahman, 80, from Badrpur in Patuakhali Sadar, and Abul Hossain, 67, from Hatkhola in Barishal Sadar.

The blaze broke out around 10:30pm in the fifth-floor medicine unit of the hospital on Tuesday (March 17).

Hospital officials said the fire started near stored bedding, foam, sheets, and pillows in the ward, quickly spreading through the unit. Panic ensued as patients, relatives, staff, and doctors rushed to evacuate.

Kazi Ataur Rahman, who required constant oxygen and an inhaler, was being moved from the fifth floor when he collapsed shortly after losing access to life-support equipment, his family said.

Abul Hossain, admitted for several days, was found dead by his son after arriving at the hospital following reports of the fire.

Dr. Abdul Munayem Sad, Assistant Director (Finance and Stores), said only two units of the ward were occupied at the time, and patients were immediately relocated. Power was cut in the building, delaying the initial assessment of the fire’s cause. Firefighters quickly brought the blaze under control, preventing further casualties.

Deputy Director Dr. Nazmul Ahsan added that roughly 100 patients in the two affected units were safely moved to another building. Several hospital staff and ward master Jewel fell ill while assisting in the evacuation.

Barishal Fire Service Station Officer Abuzar Gifri said the exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, noting it could have been triggered by a cigarette, bidi, or a short circuit.

A detailed investigation is underway.