A fire at Torrevieja University Hospital on Friday has been traced to a patient lighting a cigarette while carrying an oxygen cylinder. The incident happened shortly after midday on the second floor of the building. Investigators believe the cigarette ignited the oxygen, causing a deflagration that led to the blaze.

Two people were injured. One patient suffered second and third degree burns to 40% of his body and was airlifted to the specialist Burns Unit at La Fe Hospital in Valencia. Another patient was admitted to intensive care for smoke inhalation. Ten members of staff were also treated after helping with the evacuation, including one healthcare assistant who was later admitted to intensive care in a stable condition.

The fire began in a room in the right wing of the second floor, prompting the evacuation of 90 patients from areas including Maternity, Oncology and Internal Medicine. Five fire crews brought the flames under control during the afternoon, and the blaze was declared fully extinguished by early evening.

Emergency services, including the Guardia Civil and Local Police, attended the scene. Radiology and Rehabilitation appointments were suspended, with Radiology expected to resume on Monday. Other nearby hospitals have provided support while normal service is restored.