Fire at Khulna Medical College Hospital after cylinder explosion; ICU patient dies for lack of oxygen
During the evacuation, oxygen supply was disrupted, leading to the death of 96-year-old Sheikh Abul Hashem, a resident of Dighalia upazila, who had been undergoing treatment in the ICU. He later died in the hospital corridor.
A fire triggered by the explosion of an oxygen cylinder at Khulna Medical College Hospital caused panic among doctors, nurses, patients and their relatives this morning (20 May).
The incident took place around 6am at the hospital's emergency operating theatre on the third floor.
Witnesses said a loud blast was heard after an oxygen cylinder suddenly exploded, causing flames to spread rapidly through the area. Dense smoke and the sound of the explosion sparked chaos inside the hospital.
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As the situation worsened, patients from the adjacent ICU were hurriedly evacuated along with their beds.
During the evacuation, oxygen supply was disrupted, leading to the death of 96-year-old Sheikh Abul Hashem, a resident of Dighalia upazila, who had been undergoing treatment in the ICU. He later died in the hospital corridor.
Meanwhile, three nurses were injured after jumping from the third floor in an attempt to save themselves. They were immediately admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Their identities could not be confirmed immediately.
Md Jakir Hossain, senior station officer of Khulna Fire Service and Civil Defence, said 12 units of the fire service rushed to the scene after receiving the information and brought the blaze under control after nearly an hour of effort.
He added that hospital authorities and the fire service have begun investigating the cause of the fire and assessing the extent of the damage.
