Ludwigslust, Germany: At least two people have died and more than 30 others sustained injuries after a major fire broke out in a hospital in northern Germany, authorities and local media reported on Thursday.
The blaze started in the roof structure of the radiology department at the Helene-von-Bulow-Klinikum located in the town of Ludwigslust. Emergency services were alerted in the early hours after smoke rapidly spread through parts of the medical facility.
According to reports cited by German media outlet BILD, around 82 patients were inside the hospital at the time of the incident. Firefighters and medical teams launched an urgent evacuation operation as thick smoke engulfed sections of the building.
The Nordkurier newspaper reported that the fire is believed to have originated in the roof trusses above the radiology unit before spreading further. The exact cause of the blaze has not yet been confirmed.
Authorities said at least one person required resuscitation efforts, though it remains unclear whether that individual is among the fatalities. Detailed information regarding the condition of the injured has not yet been released.
Footage from the scene showed chaotic evacuations, with patients moved outside in hospital beds and wheelchairs, many still wearing gowns as smoke poured from the structure. Some were seen waiting on nearby lawns and sidewalks as emergency teams worked to bring the situation under control. An investigation into the cause of the fire is underway.
