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HOSPITAL HORROR BLAZE

Two people killed and six fighting for life after massive fire rips through German hospital

The raging fire was fed by chemicals, linen and plastic floor coverings

A DEVASTATING blaze that ripped through a hospital killed two people and injured more than a dozen.

The blaze broke out at the 650 bed Bergmannsheil university hospital in the German city of Bochum - one of the largest in the region - this morning.

The fire started in the early hours of this morning at the hospital in Bochum, Germany
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The fire started in the early hours of this morning at the hospital in Bochum, GermanyCredit: EPA
The cause of the blaze is still being investigated
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The cause of the blaze is still being investigatedCredit: AP:Associated Press

At least six of the injured are battling for life in intensive care wards in a nearby burns unit. The fire broke out in the room of a patient, tore swiftly through the upper floor and engulfed the roof.

By dawn 200 firefighters were still struggling to put the last of the flames out.

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Authorities said the blaze began in a sixth floor room of the building. It fed on chemicals, linen and the plastic floor coverings, creating heat surges of 1000 degrees.

Metal objects and aluminium window frames melted or buckled in the intense heat. Thankfully, a swift evacuation organised by hospital staff saved most patients from the flames.

The roof was consumed by the flames
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The roof was consumed by the flamesCredit: EPA
Prompt action by staff prevented more deaths
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Prompt action by staff prevented more deathsCredit: EPA
Firefighters were still struggling to tackle the inferno hours after it started
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Firefighters were still struggling to tackle the inferno hours after it startedCredit: AP:Associated Press

Andreas Weber, the chief neurological doctor, said staff performed "admirably" to save the lives of patients.

Ralf Jaeger, interior minister of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, in which Bochum lies, was at the scene this morning to witness the extent of the damage.

Aftermath... A total of 15 people were injured
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Aftermath... A total of 15 people were injuredCredit: Getty Images
The blaze hit 1,000 degrees
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The blaze hit 1,000 degreesCredit: Getty Images
An exterior view of the burned and collapsed roof
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An exterior view of the burned and collapsed roofCredit: EPA
The area is still cordoned off by emergency services
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The area is still cordoned off by emergency servicesCredit: EPA
Patients were quickly evacuated by hospital staff
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Patients were quickly evacuated by hospital staffCredit: AP:Associated Press

Roads around the facility remained blocked by police as firemen battled to put out the blaze.

The cause of the fire which broke out at 2.35am remains unknown.

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