21 dead in Beijing hospital fire, dozens evacuated

Beijing, April 18 (BNA): 21 people were killed in a fire in a hospital in Beijing, which led to the evacuation of dozens of patients, according to official Chinese media.

Staff transported 71 patients after the fire broke out on Tuesday in the inpatient ward of Chang Feng Hospital in Beijing, state media including CGTN reported.

Videos of the fire circulating on social media show black smoke billowing from the building, with some people climbing out windows using what appear to be makeshift ropes made from bed sheets. Others have resorted to air conditioning units outside the windows.

State media said the fire had been extinguished and rescue work was being completed.

The reports added that an investigation is underway into the cause of the fire.

AOQ