News Highlights:
- Early morning blaze causes panic at Sealdah ESI Hospital
- 80 patients evacuated; 10 fire engines deployed
- Family claims elderly woman’s death due to smoke, hospital yet to confirm
A massive fire broke out at Sealdah ESI Hospital early on Friday morning, covering the entire area in thick smoke. The fire started around 4:45 AM, and security personnel noticed smoke emerging from the second-floor male surgical ward. Prompt action was taken as the hospital authorities were informed immediately, and the fire brigade was called.
Within a short time, 10 fire engines arrived at the scene. Firefighters worked swiftly to evacuate 80 patients, transferring some to the Maniktala ESI Hospital and relocating others to safer places. The fire was eventually brought under control, though the cause of the blaze remains unclear. Authorities suspect a short circuit, but it hasn’t been confirmed yet.
Tragically, one elderly woman lost her life, with her family claiming she died due to smoke inhalation. The woman, a cancer patient, was undergoing treatment at the hospital. While the family insists her death resulted from the fire, the hospital has not confirmed the cause.
West Bengal Fire Minister Sujit Bose rushed to the site to assess the situation. He praised the firefighters for their prompt and brave response, stating that a more significant disaster was averted due to the quick evacuation of patients. The minister also pointed out that many patients had been discharged for the festive season, reducing the number of people affected by the incident.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation. Whether a short circuit was responsible for the blaze is yet to be determined.