A cigarette lit next to an oxygen cylinder has been identified as the cause of a fire at Torrevieja Hospital on Friday, which left two people injured and forced the partial evacuation of the building.

Sources close to the investigation said the blaze began shortly after midday on the second floor. A patient carrying an oxygen cylinder reportedly left his room and entered an empty room with a cigarette and lighter. When he lit the cigarette, an explosion occurred, sparking the fire.

The patient suffered second and third-degree burns to around 40% of his body and was transferred to the specialist Burns Unit at La Fe Hospital in Valencia. Another inpatient was admitted to intensive care after suffering smoke inhalation.

The incident prompted a major emergency response, including six fire engine units from Torrevieja and Orihuela. The hospital activated its evacuation plan, clearing the entire second floor for several hours while crews dealt with the aftermath of the explosion and fire.