Death toll in hospital fire up to 39

December 16, 2005

Thirty-nine people were confirmed dead in the

hospital fire that occurred on Thursday

afternoon in Liaoyuan City, northeast China's

Jilin Province, local government sources

said on Friday. Another patient succumbed

despite emergency treatment, leading the

death toll to 39 bypress time, the source said.

Rescuers have found 24 bodies at the spot

of the fire and 15 other victims died despite

emergency treatment after being transferred

to other hospitals,the sources added.

Fire burns at City Central Hospital in Liaoyang city, northeast China's Jilin Province, Dec. 15, 2005. The fire occurred at about 5 p.m. Thursday at the largest hospital of Liaoyuan city and the death toll in the fire has risen to 33, which is confirmed by a provincial government official.

A fire engine rushes to a burning building at City Central Hospital in Liaoyang city, northeast China's Jilin Province, Dec. 15, 2005. The fire occurred at about 5 p.m. Thursday at the largest hospital of Liaoyuan city and the death toll in the fire has risen to 33, which is confirmed by a provincial government official.

So far, seven other hospitals in Liaoyuan city

has received 183 patients from the City

Central Hospital, where the fire occurred.

Among them, more than 20 persons are in

critical condition. Besides, 10 hospital staff

members were injured in the accident.

The fire occurred at around 4:00 Thursday

afternoon at the four-storied buildings of the

largest hospital of Liaoyuan city, about 120 km southwest of Changchun, capital of

Jilin Province.

Four medical teams have been dispatched by

the provincial health department to the scene

for help.

Task groups led by officials with the Ministry of

Public Security and the Ministry of Health have rushed to Liaoyuan City.

Thank you to People's Daily Online

A armed policeman guards in front of City Central Hospital in Liaoyang city, northeast China's Jilin Province, Dec. 15, 2005. The fire broke out at the hospital at about 5 p.m. Thursday and the death toll in the fire has risen to 33, which is confirmed by a provincial government official.