A Beijing Hospital Fire: Casualties and Ongoing Investigation
A tragic fire at a hospital in Beijing claimed the lives of at least twenty-one people, according to official Chinese media outlets. The incident has prompted a swift response from emergency services and hospital administrators as investigators begin to determine how the blaze started and spread.
Local authorities reported that the fire began shortly after midnight, at 12:57 am local time, which corresponds to 04:57 GMT. The hospital identified as Changfeng, situated in the Fengtai district on the southwest side of the capital, became the scene of a rapid and intense rescue effort as flames swept through parts of the facility.
Firefighters battled the blaze for more than a half hour before the flames were brought under control, with the main extinguishing operation concluded around 1:33 am local time (05:33 GMT). The subsequent search and rescue phase extended for approximately two more hours as responders worked to reach patients and affected areas that had not yet been cleared.
In total, twenty-one individuals were confirmed dead in the incident. By the afternoon, officials reported that seventy-one patients had been evacuated to nearby medical centers for treatment or observation. Relocation of patients is a common measure in such events to ensure access to continued care during containment operations and under heightened safety protocols.
Authorities have not yet disclosed a definitive cause. A formal investigation has been launched to determine the origin of the fire, potential contributing factors, and whether safety measures or equipment may have influenced the outcome. Fire and health authorities are coordinating to review hospital safety standards, emergency exits, and the effectiveness of evacuation procedures that were in place at the time of the incident. No further details were made public about preliminary findings or the status of affected patients at this stage. (Source: Global Times; Official statements from Beijing emergency services)