Fire at Khulna Medical College Hospital early Wednesday sparked panic among patients, attendants and staff, leaving several injured during an emergency evacuation.
The fire broke out around 6am in a storeroom on the third floor of the four-storey hospital, officials said.
Thick smoke spread to nearby areas, including operation theatres and post-operative wards, forcing hospital staff to evacuate patients through emergency exits. Critical patients from the ICU were also moved as the situation worsened.
Several people were injured during the evacuation, including hospital staff Saidur Rahman, senior nurses Noorain, Dipali and Sharmin, and Fire Service member Touhid.
Two nurses were admitted to an ICU at a private hospital after suffering from smoke inhalation, while another was injured while coming down from the third floor.
Firefighters brought the blaze under control after nearly an hour. Officials said 10 units took part in the operation, though efforts were initially hampered as several gates were locked and had to be forced open.
Fire Service personnel also rescued several people from balconies.
Bangladesh Fire Service and Civil Defence Assistant Director Masud Sardar said three units from Boyra first responded, followed by seven more, adding that the fire was limited to the storeroom.
Hospital sources said most patients were asleep when the fire started. Equipment in the operation theatre was damaged, and many patients were later shifted to other hospitals or left the facility.
Resident Medical Officer Dr Hossain Ali said the fire may have been caused by a short circuit or air-conditioner malfunction, though the exact cause will be confirmed after investigation.
An inquiry has been launched to determine the cause of the fire and assess the damage.
