A fire broke out at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) on Monday evening, triggering panic among patients and their relatives. The incident occurred at around 6pm on the eighth floor of the hospital’s new building, where the children’s ward is located.
The fire was confirmed by Julhaz Uddin, station officer at the Mymensingh Sadar Fire Service station.
According to him, the fire suddenly broke out in the children’s ward at around 6pm. As news of the incident spread through the hospital, patients and relatives became alarmed and began trying to move to safer areas.
A unit from the Bangladesh Agricultural University Fire Station responded to the incident after receiving the alert. Firefighters worked to bring the blaze under control. Although the fire was brought under control, heavy smoke remained in the area, requiring further efforts to clear the affected section.
Julhaz Uddin said another unit from the Sadar Fire Service station was also heading towards the hospital. He said the actual cause of the fire would be investigated once the smoke had been completely cleared and the situation at the site could be assessed properly.
The incident also led to some disorder inside the hospital as patients and relatives rushed towards the lower floors. Several people reportedly fell and sustained injuries while trying to leave the affected area amid the panic. However, there was no immediate report of any major damage caused by the fire.
Hospital authorities said they were also examining the possible source of the blaze. Md Moin Uddin Khan, assistant director (administration) of Mymensingh Medical College Hospital, said the preliminary assessment suggested that the fire may have originated from machinery associated with a lift.
He stressed that the initial assessment was not a final determination of the cause. A proper investigation will be required to establish how the fire started and to assess the extent of any damage.
The hospital authorities said the situation has since returned to normal and medical services remain operational. Patients are continuing to receive treatment, while the hospital is also assessing the impact of the incident on the affected area.
A committee will be formed to investigate the fire, according to the hospital administration. The investigation is expected to establish the precise cause of the incident, determine the extent of the damage and provide a clearer account of what happened inside the children’s ward.
The fire caused considerable concern because it occurred inside a functioning hospital and in an area serving children. The quick response from firefighters helped bring the situation under control, while hospital authorities are now focusing on the investigation and ensuring that normal healthcare services continue.
Officials said further details about the cause and extent of the damage would be available after the investigation and assessment are completed.
