Rio hospital fire claims at least one life

The fire forced staff to hastily evacuate patients and temporarily settle some on sheets and mattresses in the street while firefighters battle the blaze. Many patients were transferred to other medical facilities, some accompanied by anxious family members.

Rio de Janeiro: At least one people died when a fire broke out at a Rio de Janeiro hospital Thursday night, firefighters said.

The fire forced staff to hastily evacuate patients and temporarily settle some on sheets and mattresses in the street while firefighters battle the blaze.

Hospital staffers in surgical masks wheeled medical equipment in the road outside the Badim Hospital as smoke billowed from the building.

Television images showed medical workers tending to some patients sitting in wheelchairs with IV poles beside them in the street.

Elderly and intensive care patients were among those rescued.

Many patients were transferred to other medical facilities, some accompanied by anxious family members.