UTTARADIT, Thailand. A 48-year-old professional nurse has died after a fire destroyed a wooden staff residence at Phichai Hospital in Phichai district, Uttaradit province, on the morning of 20 October.
- The fire broke out around 6am in a four-room wooden staff building.
- Fire crews from local municipalities and a rescue team brought it under control in about an hour.
- The nurse, who worked at the hospital and came from Thong Saen Khan district, was found inside one of the rooms.
- Phichai police and the provincial forensic unit are investigating. The cause has not been disclosed.
Staff housing safety matters
In many countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, India and across Southeast Asia, nurses live in hospital staff quarters, often in older buildings. This tragedy is a reminder to ask your employer about smoke alarms, fire exits, safe wiring and fire drills in staff accommodation, and to report hazards in writing.
Nursing Media Network extends condolences to her family and colleagues.
Source: Khaosod English (20 October 2026).