A major fire broke out early Monday morning at the Railway Hospital in Alambagh here, quickly engulfing the three-storey building with smoke, triggering panic among patients and staff.
Explosion of smoke representations image
A major fire broke out early Monday morning at the Railway Hospital in Alambagh here, quickly engulfing the three-storey building with smoke, triggering panic among patients and staff.
The thick smoke caused difficulty in breathing for patients, especially those admitted to the Critical Care Unit (CCU).
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According to officials, the fire started around 5:30 a.m. on the ground floor due to a suspected short circuit. Within minutes, thick smoke spread to the first floor, where 22 patients were admitted in the CCU. Hospital staff and attendants rushed to rescue the trapped patients.
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Two fire tenders from Alambagh and Hazratganj fire stations were deployed to contain the blaze. After nearly an hour of intense efforts, firefighters managed to bring the fire under control.
Rescue teams, along with the hospital staff, evacuated all the 22 patients using ramps, stretchers, and wheelchairs. Elderly and critical patients were given oxygen support and later shifted to another ward once the situation stabilized.
Alambagh Fire Station Officer Dharmapal Singh said the fire was contained within an hour, preventing a major disaster. “The fire broke out in the CCTV server room on the ground floor. The smoke quickly traveled upstairs, filling the CCU. Thankfully, quick action by staff and firefighters prevented any loss of life.”
Hospital Chief Medical Superintendent Dr Sangeeta Sagar stated that no casualties were reported. “All patients, attendants, and staff are safe. The fire was caused by a short circuit in the server room,” she said.
The Railways has ordered an inquiry into the incident. As of now, the situation has returned to normal, and medical services in all wards have resumed.
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