Fire breaks out at Satkhira private hospital, flames doused in 1.5hrs
Six fire-fighting units brought the flames under control, while all patients were safely evacuated.
A fire that broke out at a private hospital in Satkhira town was brought under control after around 90 minutes by six Fire Service and Civil Defence units today (4 August).
The fire started around 1:30pm at Bliss Hospital in the town's Palashpole area, according to Fire Service officials.
Satkhira Fire Service official Saifuzzaman said the fire was brought under control at around 3pm after six units carried out fire-fighting operations.
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Hospital authorities said the fire apparently originated from an oxygen line on the ground floor. Smoke quickly spread through the pipeline system to the building's 10th floor, causing panic among patients and their attendants.
The 100-bed hospital had around 60 to 65 patients admitted at the time, while more than 100 attendants and visitors were also inside the building, authorities said.
All patients and attendants were safely evacuated and shifted to Satkhira Sadar Hospital, Satkhira Medical College Hospital, and several nearby private hospitals, according to the Fire Service.
The incident also drew thousands of onlookers to the area. Members of the Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) joined police in maintaining order, while several fire-fighters fell ill during the rescue operation.
"No casualties have been reported. The exact cause of the fire could not be determined immediately," Saifuzzaman said.
