Emergency Response to Fire at Founders Clinic in Medellín
On the night of Tuesday, July 8, the city of Medellín, the capital of Antioquia, experienced a terrifying event when a major fire broke out on the seventh floor of the Founders Clinic. The outbreak occurred around 10 PM, causing immense hysteria among the patients and staff.
Two patients in critical condition had to be urgently transferred to nearby healthcare facilities to ensure their safety, as reported by Carlos Quintero, Director of the Administrative Department of Disaster Risk Management (DAGRD).
Quintero indicated that about six fire engines and 25 units were dispatched to the scene, quickly moving to extinguish the flames. “The fire was swiftly controlled, with evacuations conducted from the lower floors to further ensure safety,” he said.
Quintero provided an update, stating that the roof of the building was being assessed for any potential damage following the incident. “With the fire now fully controlled, we are returning the evacuated patients to their hospital rooms, supported by our fire units and health team,” he remarked.
Despite the rapid response and control of the fire, the event was distressing for many, particularly in the main entrance area. Panic surged as the flames roared, leading to numerous videos circulating on social platforms depicting the harrowing scene.
For safety, the electricity supply to the clinic was temporarily cut off, complicating operations for medical teams during the emergency, as highlighted by the local news outlet, Time 13 News.
Fortunately, there were no serious casualties reported, but the propensity of the flames to spread created a microcosm of terror within the hospital walls. Quintero reiterated that the situation was under control, as emergency services and health personnel worked diligently.
While responding to another situation, Medellín authorities also received reports of suspicious activity nearby. On the same day, the presence of Eln flags and packages raised alarm near a local police school, highlighting the precarious security situation in the area.
Manuel Villa Mejía, the Secretary of Security for Antioquia, reported that the flags were securely removed following established protocols. “We’ll conduct a controlled detonation to mitigate any risks associated with the unidentified package,” he stated, emphasizing community safety.
The discovery coincided with the anniversary of the founding of the armed group, leading to heightened security alerts in the vicinity, particularly among residents and commuters. This incident, alongside the clinic fire, underscores the continuing challenges faced by authorities in ensuring public safety in Medellín.