Bhubaneswar: At least 22 people perished in a devastating fire that broke out at a premier private hospital in the city Monday. Fifteen people have been injured and the toll is likely to go up.
The state government has formed a joint enquiry committee to probe the incident. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained although preliminary reports said it might have been caused by an electric short circuit.
The incident occurred in the dialysis ward of SUM hospital here at around 7.30 pm, Monday. The smoke then spread to the emergency ward and then to ICU of the hospital.
Helpline number: +919439991226
The Khurda collector confirmed at least eight persons have died while 15 persons were critically injured while sources put the toll at 22. The twin city Police Commissioner, DCP and other police officials along with fire fighting officials rushed to the spot.
Seven fire fighting vehicles were pressed into service to douse the fire. Bonto skylift fire tender was also brought into use to reach out to places in the high-rise. Fire service DG Binay Behera said fire service personnel have been engaged to carry out rescue operation on a war-footing to douse the blaze. Chaos prevailed outside the private hospital as panic gripped attendants and relatives of patients.
Several patients reportedly suffered from asphyxiation. Over 150 patients including 18 from the ICU were rescued. Several patients were taken out by breaking glass panes. As many as 60 ambulances including 13 108 ambulances were pressed into service to shift patients.
“All patients have been evacuated,” DCP Satyabrata Bhoi told this paper. Hospital deputy superintendent Banant Pati said that all patients from ICU were being shifted to other hospitals.
Hospital authorities also informed that critical patients are being shifted to Capital Hospital and three other private hospitals. Nine patients were also shifted to AIIMS.
Authorities informed that by 9.30 pm fire was brought under control. Meanwhile, fire service DG said, “It will be difficult to assess the situation at present.”
In 2012-13, fire officials had visited the hospital and had reportedly instructed its authorities to comply with fire safety rules. Health secretary Arti Ahuja talked to ADG fire services on the matter.
“An enquiry committee comprising Director of Medical Education and Training level, district collector and fire safety officers will jointly enquire into all aspects of the mishap,” said health department sources.
“Authorities of Capital Hospital and SCB medical college and hospital have been kept in alert and asked to take care of patients being shifted to those hospitals.”
Post News Network
