A fire that broke out at a hospital in Hamburg, Germany, late Sunday night claimed the lives of two patients and forced the emergency evacuation of dozens more, local officials confirmed on Monday, June 2. The blaze occurred in a patient room on the sixth floor of the hospital in the Eilbek district, leading to a significant emergency response and prolonged firefighting efforts.

According to the fire department, more than 100 firefighters were deployed to the scene after the alarm was raised just before midnight. Upon arrival, crews encountered intense flames and thick smoke pouring from a window on the upper floor of the facility. The fire was brought under control after several hours, but the room where the fire started was completely destroyed.

Two patients were found dead in the affected room, Hamburg police confirmed. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, and the cause of death is under investigation. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of smoke inhalation or burn-related injuries.

Dozens of other patients had to be evacuated from the hospital floor as smoke spread rapidly through the building. “We had to remove patients from adjacent rooms to protect them from the smoke,” said Jan Ole Unger, spokesperson for the Hamburg fire department. Many of the evacuated patients were transported to other hospitals in the city as a precaution.

Firefighters used ladders to rescue several patients from windows, while medical teams assisted in relocating critically ill individuals using stretchers and mobile equipment. “This was a challenging operation because we were dealing with patients who could not move independently,” Unger added.

Hamburg’s police department and fire investigators have launched an inquiry into the cause of the fire. Initial assessments suggest it may have started in or near a bed in the patient room, but officials said it is too early to determine whether it was caused by an electrical fault, smoking materials, or other factors.

Hospital management expressed deep sorrow over the incident and offered condolences to the families of the deceased. “This is a tragic day for our institution,” a hospital representative stated. “We are cooperating fully with authorities to determine how this happened and to ensure it never occurs again.”

Local media reported that the hospital’s fire alarms functioned correctly, and staff quickly implemented emergency protocols. However, some staff members told reporters that the intensity of the smoke and speed of the fire’s spread left little time to react in the affected wing.

By early Monday morning, most of the hospital had resumed normal operations, though the sixth floor remained closed for cleanup and forensic investigation. Specialists are assessing the extent of the structural damage and the need for repairs before the wing can be reopened.

This incident has reignited concerns about fire safety in healthcare facilities, particularly in older buildings that may not meet modern standards. Experts have called for regular audits of hospital infrastructure, evacuation readiness, and equipment to ensure patient safety in emergencies.

Germany’s health minister issued a statement acknowledging the tragedy and emphasizing the importance of robust emergency procedures in medical institutions. “We must do everything to protect our most vulnerable citizens, especially in places where they seek healing and care,” the statement read.

The hospital has set up a support hotline for affected families and is offering counseling services for both staff and patients traumatized by the incident. As investigations continue, authorities hope to identify the cause and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Source; Associated Press (AP)