Mediical team and patient in a maternity theatre
A 24-year-old mother suffered burns while giving birth through a caesarean section at a hospital in Prague, Czech Republic, with reports indicating that a disinfectant caught fire during the procedure.
The incident occurred on August 25 at Bulovka Hospital in the northern outskirts of the Czech capital. The hospital confirmed the incident on Monday, August 31, 2026, saying the baby was not injured.
Hospital spokeswoman Eva Stolejda Libigerova said the caesarean section was carried out because of acute obstetrical complications.
“The mother is in a stable condition which does not require intensive care and… remains at a standard ward with her child,” Libigerova told AFP, adding that the hospital was investigating the incident.
She declined to provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the burns.
Disinfectant Caught Fire During Surgery
According to Czech daily Denik N, the woman suffered burns to her genitals, thighs, sides and lower abdomen.
The newspaper reported that the woman caught fire after medical staff applied a disinfectant and subsequently used a surgical instrument to stop bleeding.
She was reportedly transferred to another Prague hospital known for its specialist burns unit for further treatment before later returning to Bulovka Hospital.
The circumstances surrounding the fire remain under investigation.
Previous Incident at Bulovka Hospital
The latest incident comes two years after Bulovka Hospital faced criticism over a separate medical error.
In 2024, the hospital mistakenly performed an abortion on the wrong pregnant woman after two Asian women were reportedly mixed up.
Czech media reported that the hospital later paid compensation to the affected woman, while police shelved the case.
The hospital has not indicated whether disciplinary or other measures will be taken following the latest incident, as investigations into the August 25 caesarean section continue.
