A tragic fire at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College (Shybell) has resulted in the death of an elderly patient and injuries to several others, highlighting safety concerns in healthcare facilities. The incident occurred late on Tuesday night, 17 March 2026, at the hospital’s OPD building, prompting a rapid evacuation of patients and staff.
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Details of the Incident
The deceased, Atahar Ali, had been admitted to the hospital three days earlier for treatment of pneumonia and respiratory distress. According to his son, Ansar Ali, his father’s health deteriorated further amid the panic while being hurriedly evacuated from the OPD building. He was later taken to the emergency department, where doctors pronounced him dead.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire originated in a storeroom on the fifth floor of the OPD building. At the time, patients undergoing treatment in the building were evacuated in haste, with four to five people sustaining minor to moderate injuries during the evacuation.
Firefighting Efforts
The Barishal Fire Service responded swiftly, deploying three units to the scene. Station Officer Abu Jar Giffari stated that it took approximately one hour to bring the blaze under control. He added that initial investigations suggest an electrical short circuit as the likely cause of the fire, which was contained before spreading to other areas of the building.
Hospital Response
Speaking to the media, the hospital’s public relations officer, Swapan, confirmed that the situation has stabilised and that medical services have resumed normal operations. Staff assisted in the evacuation and provided immediate care to those injured, preventing further casualties.
Casualties and Damage
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 17 March 2026, ~11:00 pm |
| Location | OPD Building, Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital, Barishal |
| Deceased | Atahar Ali (82) |
| Injured | 4–5 patients (minor to moderate injuries) |
| Fire Origin | Fifth-floor storeroom |
| Cause (Preliminary) | Suspected electrical short circuit |
| Response | Fire Service deployed 3 units; fire controlled in ~1 hour |
| Hospital Status | Operations resumed; situation stable |
Reactions and Implications
The incident has raised concerns over hospital safety, particularly regarding electrical infrastructure and emergency preparedness in crowded medical facilities. Local authorities and hospital management are expected to review safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences.
Hospital staff, patients, and relatives praised the swift response of the fire service, which likely prevented a far greater loss of life. However, the death of Atahar Ali underscores the vulnerabilities faced by elderly and critically ill patients during emergency evacuations.
Conclusion
While the fire was controlled relatively quickly, the tragic loss of an elderly patient highlights the importance of robust fire safety measures and emergency response planning in healthcare settings. Authorities in Barishal are investigating the incident further to ensure compliance with safety standards and to mitigate risks to vulnerable patients in the future.