Cartagena hospital fire prompts camera surveillance and facade review amid negligence claims

Health Minister announces tobacco crackdown and safety upgrades after suspected cigarette start

Health authorities in Murcia are taking tough new steps to prevent fires in hospitals after a blaze at Santa Lucía University General Hospital in Cartagena was linked to a carelessly discarded cigarette.

The Regional Minister of Health, Juan José Pedreño, announced plans to install surveillance cameras across hospitals to catch smokers and enforce the smoking ban. "Smoking is prohibited in hospitals, yet people do smoke, and we are going to install surveillance cameras because this is clearly one of the main causes," he explained during the Regional Assembly.

Pedreño praised the quick response of hospital staff and firefighters during the fire, noting that established evacuation plans and training played a key role in avoiding casualties. While a preliminary report confirmed the hospital facade meets fire safety regulations, an expert committee will be formed immediately to review and strengthen the building’s safety features.

However, the opposition condemned the regional government for delays in replacing flammable materials that had been highlighted since a fire in 2015. Socialist spokesperson Carmina Fernández described the situation as “political negligence on every level,” urging immediate action and calling for Pedreño’s resignation.

Residents and healthcare workers alike are looking for reassurance that lessons have been learnt, and installing cameras to stop smoking is seen as a straightforward step that could prevent future incidents and protect lives.

Image: Ayuntamiento de Cartagena