In Hamburg, Germany, a tragic hospital fire has resulted in the deaths of three patients and numerous injuries. The incident occurred overnight at the Marienkrankenhaus hospital. Authorities have since detained a fellow patient on suspicion of deliberately starting the fire.
Firefighters were alerted to the blaze shortly after midnight, which began in a room situated within the geriatric ward on the hospital’s ground floor. The fire quickly spread to the facade of the floor directly above, causing smoke to permeate throughout all four floors of the building. According to reports, the fire led to the fatalities of three male patients, aged 84, 85, and 87. In addition, 34 individuals sustained injuries, including one person in critical condition.
The immediate response included the evacuation of part of the hospital. Most of the injured received medical attention at the Marienkrankenhaus itself, though two severely affected patients were transported to nearby clinics for further care. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within approximately 20 minutes.
Throughout the chaotic scene, some patients were found at windows, signaling for help. Emergency responders utilized ladders and accessed the building to rescue those in need.
Later in the day, police disclosed that evidence from witness interviews identified a possible suspect in the form of a 72-year-old patient. He is being held at the hospital on suspicion of committing arson, as authorities investigate the possibility of mental illness contributing to his actions.