A devastating fire broke out at the ESI Hospital in Sealdah, Kolkata, on Friday morning, claiming one life and forcing the evacuation of 50 patients. The fire started in the male surgical ward on the first floor of one of the hospital buildings around 5 am.
Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, which spread to the air conditioning system. However, fire services department officials will confirm the exact cause after investigation.
Evacuation Efforts:
Hospital authorities, doctors, nurses, and fire service officials worked together to evacuate patients from the affected ward. Aditi Das, Superintendent of ESI Hospital Sealdah, praised the swift response of the team.
Casualty:
One patient, Uttam Bardhan, a cancer patient, passed away. Hospital authorities are yet to confirm whether the death was directly related to the fire or Bardhan's pre-existing condition.
Patient Accounts:
Vital documents and prescriptions were destroyed in the fire. The hospital's infrastructure also suffered damage.
Response:
- 10 fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze.
- Fire service officials and hospital staff worked together to evacuate patients.
- Power was cut off from part of the hospital as a precautionary measure.
Relocation of Patients:
Due to the power outage, 50 patients were transferred to ESI Hospital Manicktala.
The ESI Hospital Sealdah offers various services, including:
- 24/7 emergency services
- Ambulances
- Wheelchairs for patients
- 300 male and 200 female beds
- Services for government, semi-government, and private limited company employees.
An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and ensure that measures are taken to prevent such incidents in the future.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Vaishnavi Dalvi/MSM)