A devastating fire broke out at a hospital in the northern German town of Uelzen on Thursday night, resulting in the tragic death of four people and leaving several others injured, some in critical condition. The incident prompted the evacuation of the hospital as emergency services worked tirelessly to control the flames.
The fire, which began around 10:45 pm local time, primarily affected the third floor of the hospital, creating a harrowing scene with visible flames and extensive smoke. Initial reports indicated one casualty, but the toll tragically rose to four on Friday, as confirmed by local police.
German media reported that the victims were patients at the hospital. Additionally, a “double-digit number” of individuals sustained injuries, with some facing serious conditions. The hospital evacuation was carried out swiftly as emergency responders tackled the blaze.
While the cause of the fire remains unclear, authorities have launched a thorough investigation into the incident. The police spokesperson stated that the investigation would explore all possible directions to ascertain the circumstances leading to the fire. The financial toll of the incident is estimated to exceed one million euros ($1.1 million).
The community is grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, and the investigation will provide critical insights into the factors contributing to the hospital fire in Uelzen.