LIAOYUAN, Jilin, Dec. 16 (Xinhuanet) -- Thirty-nine people were confirmed dead in the hospital fire that occurred on Thursday afternoon in Liaoyuan City, northeast China's Jilin Province, local government sources said on Friday.

    Another patient succumbed despite emergency treatment, leading the death toll to 39 by press time, the source said.

    Rescuers have found 24 bodies at the spot of the fire and 15 other victims died despite emergency treatment after being transferred to other hospitals, the sources added.

    So far, seven other hospitals in Liaoyuan city has received 183 patients from the City Central Hospital, where the fire occurred. Among them, more than 20 persons are in critical condition. Besides, 10 hospital staff members were injured in the accident.

    The fire occurred at around 4:00 Thursday afternoon at the four-storied buildings of the largest hospital of Liaoyuan city, about 120 km southwest of Changchun, capital of Jilin Province.

    Four medical teams have been dispatched by the provincial health department to the scene for help.

    Task groups led by officials with the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Health have rushed to Liaoyuan City.

    Rescue work is still under way. Enditem