Dindigul: Seven people died as the fire gutted a private orthopedic hospital at night. The fire was so massive that 3 brigades and 10 ambulances were deployed to rescue the patients trapped inside the hospital in the Gandhinagar area of the Dindigul-Trichy highway (Tamil Nadu).
As the fire spread within the four-storied private Orthopedic Hospital, at least six people were killed, and several were injured in the mishap. IP. Senthilkumar, the ruling DMK MLA representing the Palani constituency also rushed to the spot.
However, later sources and police headquarters stated that 7 people had died though an official announcement was awaited. One child and 2 women were on the list of those deceased. Most of the patients escaped unhurt, it was the visitors who had come to meet the patients that faced the wrath of the fire.
There were 8 people trapped in the lift when the fire gutted the hospital. They were evacuated but 6 of them were unconscious. Some of them did not survive because of the suffocation or carbon monoxide poisoning.
The firefighting personnel, police, and district officials rushed to the spot bringing the blaze under control. IP Senthil Kumar stated that the entire government machinery efficiently jumped into action within 20 minutes of receiving the news.
Dindigul had a red alert for extreme rainfall. Fortunately, a 30-member Fire and Rescue team could reach the spot as it had been present there. The team split into 3 teams and sprang into action. The fire personnel had to shift the patients with their beds to safety through the stairs which was risky.
At least 50 ambulances helped to transport patients from one hospital to the other. The patients in the ICU were also rescued and shifted. District Collector Ms Poongodi rushed to the spot and supervised the operation.
The exact cause of the fire could not be determined, but things will become clear as the dust settles. Early investigations have revealed that the fire first broke out on the first floor gradually engulfing the third floor.
The district collector said that most patients had been rescued. A search was ongoing to find other casualties, if any.
IP Senthil Kumar, son of Rural Development Minister I Periyasamy, pointed out that smoke engulfing the hospital made the rescue efforts challenging. He added the Chief Minister is expected to announce compensation for the victims and the injured.
The Electricity Board ruled out an electric short circuit as the cause of the fire.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Dr. Swati Sharma/MSM)