At least 21 killed, over 70 evacuated after fire in Beijing hospital: Reports

At least 21 peoplehave been killed,as of 6:00 pm (local time), after a fire broke out in a hospital in China'scapital city of Beijing, said a report by the CGTN, on Tuesday (April 18). According to reports, the open fire at Beijing's Changfeng Hospitalhas since been extinguished and the on-site rescue work was over.

The fire broke out in the hospital's east wingin the inpatient department at 12:57 pm (local time) and was extinguishedat around 1:33 (local time), reported theBeijing Daily. As of 6:00 pm (local time), a total of71 people were evacuated and transferred after the rescue work. The investigation for the cause of the fire is underway.

"It's tragic. I can see the accident from the window of my house. A lot of people were standing on the air conditioning unit at noon, and some even jumped off," said a Weibo netizen, as per Reuters.

Furthermore, the Associated Press, citing videos of the firecirculating on Chinese social media saidblack smoke billowing from the building and some people were seen climbing out of thewindows using what appeared to bemakeshift ropes made out of bedsheets while some tookrefuge on air conditioning units outside.

The death toll was released after thevictims were taken to another unidentified hospital for emergency treatment, as per media reports. However, there was no immediate clarity on those injured or their condition.

Add WION as a Preferred Source

(With inputs from agencies)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.