Photo: BSS

KHULNA, May 20, 2026 (BSS) - A fire that broke out at the emergency operation theatre (OT) complex of Khulna Medical College Hospital early today was brought under control after about an hour-long effort by firefighters, leaving at least five people injured.

The fire started around 6 am on the hospital's third floor in the emergency OT area. Thick smoke quickly spread across the building, prompting emergency evacuation operations.

The injured include hospital staff member Saidur Rahman, senior nurses Nowrin, Dipali and Sharmin, and a Fire Service personnel named Touhid. Several others, including nurses, also sustained injuries during evacuation efforts.

Assistant Professor Dr. Dilip Kumar, who was in charge of the emergency OT, said the fire may have originated from a short circuit, possibly in the post-operative room or an adjacent storeroom at around 5:50 am. He added that the blaze initially spread to an air-conditioner unit and later reached the oxygen supply system.

Patients admitted to the OT and ICU were immediately shifted to safer locations, hospital staff said. However, thick smoke engulfed the post-operative and ICU wards, severely reducing visibility and complicating rescue efforts.

Fire Service and Civil Defence officials said 10 firefighting units were deployed and brought the blaze under control after nearly one hour. 

Residential Medical Officer Dr. Hossain Ali told the fire was initially suspected to have been caused by either an electrical short circuit or an air-conditioner explosion, but the exact cause would be determined after investigation.

Hospital Director Dr. Kazi Ainul Islam said all surgical procedures have been temporarily suspended due to disruption in the hospital's oxygen supply system caused by the fire. He added that efforts are underway to restore the oxygen line and resume services as soon as possible.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the extent of damage.