Six killed in stampede after fire at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital

Six people, including an unidentified child, were killed in a stampede after a fire broke out at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital on Monday evening.

The fire started at around 6:00pm on the eighth floor of the hospital’s new eight-storey building.

The deceased were identified as Hazera Begum, 50, Shahjahan, 40, Ramzan, 38, Jahanara, 50, and Kulsuma, 35. The identity of the child could not be confirmed immediately.

As smoke spread through the building, patients and their relatives panicked and rushed down the narrow stairways. Several people fell and were trampled in the ensuing stampede.

Ten units of the Fire Service from five stations were sent to the scene. The fire was later brought under control, while four units remained there to monitor the situation.

Fire Service Assistant Director Purna Chandra Mutsuddi said the fire was initially believed to have started from overheating and an electrical short circuit in a board connected to machinery in the lift control room.

He said the fire was not intense, but heavy smoke spread through the building. The exact cause would be determined after an investigation.

Hospital Deputy Director Zakiul Islam said none of the hospital’s wards was damaged. An investigation was also under way to determine the cause of the fire and whether there were any internal electrical faults.

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