An investigation into the blaze that erupted on Friday, 22nd May, at Torrevieja University Hospital has revealed that the fire was caused by a patient who lit a cigarette next to an oxygen cylinder. The incident resulted in an explosion and a subsequent fire on the second floor of the medical facility, leaving two patients injured and forcing a partial evacuation of the building.
The fire broke out shortly after midday when the smoking patient left their own room and entered an empty room on the second floor. Upon lighting the cigarette near the oxygen canister, a violent explosion was triggered. The patient responsible suffered second and third degree burns to 40 per cent of their body and had to be urgently transferred to the specialised Burns Unit at La Fe Hospital in Valencia.
A second patient was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after suffering from severe smoke inhalation. Additionally, ten hospital staff members, including medical professionals, security personnel and cleaning workers, required treatment for minor smoke inhalation after they bravely rushed to assist with the rescue and evacuation efforts. None of the employees required hospitalisation.
The emergency services responded to the incident with a major deployment, including around half a dozen fire engine units from both the Torrevieja and Orihuela fire stations. The hospital’s evacuation plan was immediately activated, leading to the temporary clearance of the entire second floor for several hours until the blaze was successfully extinguished later that evening.
