A fire broke out at the newly constructed building of Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital (ShyMC) in Barisal late on Tuesday night, resulting in the deaths of two patients during emergency evacuation and leaving six others unwell, including four members of the Ansar security force. Remarkably, there were no immediate fatalities caused directly by the flames.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:00 pm on 17 March, when a blaze erupted in a storage room on the fifth floor of the hospital. Eyewitnesses reported that foam, blankets, and pillows stored near the medicine ward quickly caught fire, producing thick smoke that spread across the floor. The sudden outbreak caused panic among patients, relatives, doctors, and nurses, prompting many to evacuate hurriedly and seek safety outside the building.
Fire and Civil Defence teams deployed three units to the scene. After roughly 40 minutes of firefighting, they managed to bring the fire under control. Prior attempts by hospital staff and local residents using fire extinguishers were unsuccessful in containing the flames.
Tragically, two patients died amid the evacuation process. They have been identified as Kazi Ataur Rahman (80) from Patuakhali and Abul Hossain (67) from Barisal.
| Patient Name | Age | District | Location During Fire | Cause of Death |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kazi Ataur Rahman | 80 | Patuakhali | 4th floor ward | Lack of oxygen during transfer |
| Abul Hossain | 67 | Barisal | Medicine ward | Deterioration amid evacuation |
Relatives have recounted harrowing experiences. Kazi Ataur Rahman’s daughter-in-law, Sajeda Parvin, said her father-in-law, who relied on an inhaler and oxygen support, was brought downstairs without oxygen. She attempted to procure oxygen from a private ambulance in the hospital compound, but it was unavailable in time, leading to his death. Abul Hossain’s son, Abdullah, reported that his father had been hospitalised for several days and that he arrived within 30 minutes of the fire to find him dead.
Hospital officials confirmed the rapid evacuation of nearly 100 patients across two units to safer locations. Assistant Director Dr Abdul Munayem Sad stated that the fire had originated in a corner of the medicine ward and that patients were moved swiftly. Deputy Director Dr Nazmul Ahsan confirmed that all patients were safely relocated.
Fire Service Station Officer Abuzar Gifri said the exact cause of the blaze remains under investigation. Initial assessments suggest that combustible materials in the storage room accelerated the spread of smoke, and a short circuit or inadvertent human error could be responsible. Authorities have launched a formal inquiry to determine the definitive cause and assess future fire safety measures.
The incident underscores the critical importance of hospital emergency preparedness, oxygen availability, and swift response to fire hazards in healthcare facilities.