Hamburg: Fire breaks out in hospital, at least three dead, dozens injured

(Patria) - Three people died in a fire at a hospital in the northern German city of Hamburg, officials announced today.

More than 50 people were injured, 16 of them seriously, a spokesperson for the fire department told dpa.

The fire broke out on the ground floor of Marienhospital overnight on Saturday before spreading to the first floor.

The fire reportedly started in the hospital's geriatrics department, which specializes in the care of elderly patients. The cause of the fire is currently unknown, as is the extent of the damage.

Firefighters rescued people through windows, the spokesperson said. Around 160 rescuers participated.

The flames have been extinguished, and parts of the building evacuated, the spokesperson added.

The hospital has about 600 beds and treats approximately 93,000 patients annually.