Six patients killed in fire at Johor Baru hospital

Fire broke out in the intensive care unit of Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru yesterday morning, killing six patients who had been trapped in the ward. A seventh patient was rescued but suffered 80 per cent burns. Preliminary investigations poi
PHOTO: THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK

Fire broke out in the intensive care unit of Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru yesterday morning, killing six patients who had been trapped in the ward.

A seventh patient was rescued but suffered 80 per cent burns.

Preliminary investigations point to a short circuit triggered by faulty wiring.

The blaze affected two floors of the hospital's main building and forced the evacuation of hundreds of patients and staff.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said his government will conduct a detailed investigation and "improve safety levels".

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 26, 2016, with the headline Six patients killed in fire at Johor Baru hospital. Subscribe