A fire at Bethel Hospital in Bielefeld, western Germany, on May 31, 2025, killed three patients and injured 42, including 15 in critical condition, marking one of the deadliest hospital fires in recent German history.
The blaze, reported at 2:30 AM, started in a ground-floor storage room, likely due to an electrical fault, and spread rapidly through the 300-bed facility. Thick smoke engulfed wards, complicating evacuation of 120 patients, many elderly or immobile. Firefighters, deploying 200 personnel, extinguished the fire by 5:00 AM, using ladders to rescue patients from upper floors.
Two women, aged 78 and 85, and a 66-year-old man died from smoke inhalation, while 20 staff members and 22 patients were treated for burns and respiratory issues. Chancellor Olaf Scholz expressed condolences, praising first responders’ bravery. The hospital, a key regional provider, suspended non-emergency services, transferring patients to nearby facilities.
Investigators ruled out arson but cited outdated wiring as a potential factor, prompting calls for stricter safety regulations. Bielefeld Mayor Pit Clausen announced a €1 million aid package for victims, as community vigils honored the deceased. The incident, following a 2023 Düsseldorf fire that killed two, has reignited debates over Germany’s aging healthcare infrastructure.
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