Fire engulfs hospital roof in Ludwigslust; two patients dead and 34 injured
A fire broke out in the roof structure of the radiology department at LUP-Klinikum in Ludwigslust, north-east Germany, early Thursday morning. At least two patients have died and more than 30 people were injured as emergency services carry out a full-scale evacuation.
Outbreak and evacuation
Around 4:28 a.m. on Thursday, a fire broke out in a patient room at LUP-Klinikum in Ludwigslust, north-eastern Germany. The flames spread rapidly to the roof structure of the radiology department, which is now burning in full extent. Emergency services received a call at about 4:30 a.m. and launched a large-scale operation. All fire brigades in the surrounding area have been alerted.
The situation on site is currently highly dynamic.
- Fire breaks out in patient room and spreads to radiology roof
- Emergency call received by police; large-scale fire brigade operation launched
- Full evacuation of hospital and adjacent buildings ordered; two patients dead and at least 34 injured confirmed
Casualties and injuries
Two patients have died in the fire, according to a district spokeswoman. More than 30 people were injured; NDR reports at least 34 injured. One person was being resuscitated at the time of reporting. The number of patients inside the building when the fire started remains unclear.
The deceased are patients.
Response and public advisory
All patients are being evacuated from the main building and neighbouring structures. Those evacuated are being cared for at a safe location on the clinic grounds. The emergency department was temporarily inaccessible but has since been reopened. Due to heavy smoke development, residents nearby have been advised to keep windows and doors closed.
Cause and investigation
The cause of the fire is not yet known. Police have described the situation as fluid, and no further details on the origin have been released.
