The fire that broke out this Friday at Torrevieja University Hospital now has a primary cause. The blaze left two patients injured, one with severe burns, ten employees treated for smoke inhalation, and 90 patients relocated to other areas of the healthcare center.

According to sources familiar with the investigation, the trigger was a patient's cigarette, which was reportedly near an oxygen tank. The incident occurred minutes after midday on the hospital's second floor. It is believed that a patient with an oxygen tank left their room and entered an empty adjacent room with a cigarette and a lighter. When the tobacco was lit, a deflagration occurred, leading to the fire.

The patient suffered second and third-degree burns on 40% of their body. The severity of the injuries necessitated transfer by helicopter to the Burn Unit of La Fe Hospital in Valencia. Another patient, admitted near the affected area, had to be taken to the Intensive Care Unit due to smoke inhalation.

Additionally, ten hospital workers, including medical, security, and cleaning staff, received treatment after intervening in rescue and evacuation efforts. Among them was a nursing auxiliary technician who had to be admitted to intensive care, although her condition was reported as favorable.

The fire started at 12:09 PM in room 277, located on the right wing of the second floor. Smoke accumulation prompted the activation of the Evacuation Plan, leading to the precautionary evacuation of the entire area, which houses services such as Maternity, Oncology, and Internal Medicine. A total of 90 patients were moved to other hospital rooms while the extent of the fire was assessed and the safety of the affected area was ensured. The evacuation allowed patients and staff to be moved away from a floor where smoke had spread rapidly.

Five fire crews from the Torrevieja and Orihuela parks responded to the hospital. The flames were brought under control around 1:20 PM, though work continued into the afternoon to ventilate the floor and clear accumulated smoke and gases. The fire was declared extinguished around 7:00 PM. Personnel from the Guardia Civil and Local Police also attended the center. The Minister of Health, Marciano Gómez, visited the hospital to assess the situation of those affected and monitor the operation's progress.

The incident necessitated the reorganization of some healthcare services at Torrevieja Hospital. The Emergency Department continued to operate normally, but scheduled appointments for Radiology and Rehabilitation, located on the affected floor, had to be suspended. The forecast provided after the fire is that Radiology will resume its activity on Monday, while Rehabilitation will remain closed for appointments on Monday and Tuesday. Furthermore, resources from other hospitals in the southern part of the province, including those in Orihuela and Elche, were mobilized to address potential needs while full activity is restored in the affected areas.