Hospital Fire In Northern Iran Claims Nine Lives, Sparks Major Evacuation

A devastating fire at Qaem Hospital in Rasht, northern Iran, killed nine ICU patients and prompted the evacuation of over 140 individuals. The fire, attributed to an electrical short circuit, highlights recurring technical issues in Iranian healthcare facilities.

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Aqsa Younas Rana
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Four people injured in a major fire at a 22-storey residential block in Spitalfields, central London.

A devastating fire at Qaem Hospital in Rasht, northern Iran, killed nine ICU patients.

A tragic fire broke out in the basement of Qaem Hospital in Rasht, northern Iran, leading to the deaths of nine patients. The incident occurred at around 1:30 AM local time (2200 GMT), resulting in the death of six women and three men who were in the hospital's intensive care unit.

Local authorities swiftly responded to the emergency. The fire originated from an electrical short circuit in the hospital's basement, which houses the ICU. The fire caused significant smoke, complicating rescue operations.

Why This Matters: Emergency workers acted promptly, rescuing over 140 individuals, including patients and hospital staff, who were trapped by the smoke. Out of those rescued, 120 were transferred to other medical facilities for further treatment. Momeni also confirmed that an investigation into the cause of the fire has been ordered to prevent future incidents.

Footage circulating online showed dense smoke pouring out of the hospital during the night, highlighting the severity of the blaze. Such incidents are not uncommon in Iran, where hospital fires are often attributed to technical failures.

This tragic event underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures in Iranian healthcare facilities. Technical issues, such as faulty electrical systems, continue to pose significant risks, endangering both patients and staff. The government is expected to implement stricter safety protocols to mitigate such hazards in the future.

As the investigation unfolds, authorities and hospital administrations are urged to reinforce safety standards and maintenance routines to protect lives and prevent further tragedies in the nation's healthcare facilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • Fire in Qaem Hospital's ICU kills nine patients in Rasht.
  • Electrical short circuit in basement ICU identified as fire's cause.
  • Over 140 individuals, including patients and staff, were rescued.
  • 120 rescued individuals were hospitalized in other facilities.
  • Government orders investigation to prevent future hospital fires.

 

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