Khulna, June 12 (V7N)- A major fire erupted at Khulna City Medical College Hospital (KCMCH) in Khulna city on Thursday night, June 12, 2026, injuring seven firefighters and prompting an emergency evacuation of more than 250 patients. The blaze started around 9:30 pm in the basement of the private hospital and was brought under control just before midnight. Rescue and evacuation efforts continued until early Friday morning.

According to Hospital Manager (Administration) Hamidul Islam, the fire began in the basement where an oxygen plant was housed, with the generator room located directly above. The incident destroyed two oxygen plants, two generators, medicines, furniture, and key documents. Authorities are still assessing the total damage. No investigation committee had been formed as of Friday noon, though police have filed a general diary regarding the incident.

Senior Station Officer Md Zakir Hossain of Tutpara Fire Station said a short circuit in the generator room was the suspected cause. Smoke quickly spread through the building via connected pipelines. All 250+ patients, including those in intensive care, were safely transferred to nearby facilities such as Nargis Memorial Hospital, Gazi Medical College Hospital, Islami Bank Hospital, and Khulna Medical College Hospital. Hospital officials confirmed no patients, doctors, or staff were injured, and no deaths have been reported post-transfer.

The emergency response was swift. Deputy Director of Khulna Fire Service Masud Rana said the first unit arrived within five minutes of the 9:35 pm call. A total of 14 firefighting units worked to control the flames, succeeding by 11:55 pm. Seven firefighters were hurt during the operation — two suffered hand injuries and five had breathing issues from heavy smoke inhalation.

Officials from police, RAB, BGB, CID, and other agencies visited the site. On Friday morning, onlookers gathered outside the damaged building while hospital staff handed out treatment records and belongings left behind. Sonadanga Police Station Sub-Inspector Nadim Mahmud noted no formal complaint has been filed yet by hospital authorities.

A formal investigation committee is expected to be formed once directives arrive from Fire Service headquarters in Dhaka, likely in the coming days.

END/AJ/RH