A sudden fire broke out on the seventh floor of the new building at Mymensingh Medical College Hospital (MMCH) on Monday, 14 September, around 6:00 pm. The blaze, which originated near the paediatric ward, triggered widespread panic among patients, medical staff, and visitors before firefighters successfully brought the situation under control.
Mymensingh Sadar Fire Station Officer Zulhaj Uddin confirmed the incident, stating that a crew from the nearby Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) Fire Station responded immediately after receiving the emergency call. A fire engine arrived on site within minutes and managed to douse the flames before they could spread to adjacent medical units.
Although firefighters contained the blaze quickly, dense smoke filled the corridors and upper floors of the building, creating hazardous conditions and severe anxiety. As news of the fire spread, patients and their relatives rushed towards the stairwells in a desperate bid to evacuate. The chaotic rush resulted in minor injuries as several individuals fell and suffered bruises during the stampede. Despite the panic, hospital authorities confirmed that no severe casualties or major structural losses were reported.
Initial assessments suggest that the fire may have been caused by a mechanical fault or electrical short circuit originating in the lift machinery room on the seventh floor. However, fire service officials noted that a conclusive determination regarding the cause and exact financial extent of the damage will be established once the building is fully cleared of smoke and a thorough technical inspection is completed.
Addressing the incident, Dr Mohammad Main Uddin Khan, Assistant Director (Administration) at MMCH, reassured the public that the situation returned to normal shortly after the flames were extinguished. Medical services across all departments, including emergency and inpatient care, continue to operate without interruption. Hospital management announced plans to form a dedicated investigation committee to determine the exact cause of the fire and review safety protocols across the facility.



