Bulovka Hospital investigates fire during emergency C-section

A 24-year-old woman suffered second- and third-degree burns covering approximately 15 percent of her body during an emergency cesarean section at Bulovka Hospital in Prague on August 25. The injuries, which affected her inner thighs, sides, lower abdomen, and genital area, reportedly occurred when a surgical device ignited while medical staff were attempting to control bleeding, shortly after disinfectant had been applied to the patient.

The patient was temporarily transferred to the Burns Medicine Clinic at University Hospital Královské Vinohrady but has since returned to Bulovka Hospital’s postpartum ward. Her condition is reported as stable, and she does not require intensive care.

Both the hospital and the police are investigating the incident. The hospital is conducting an internal review of patient safety and medical care quality, while police are examining whether a criminal offense occurred. Legal experts suggest that the investigation will likely involve a reconstruction of the procedure and an evaluation of surgical protocols and medical documentation.