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Jalandhar Hospital Fire: 60 Patients Safely Evacuated
5 Aug
Summary
- Fire broke out in the gynaecology ward of Jalandhar Civil Hospital.
- Sixty patients, including pregnant women and newborns, were evacuated.
- A short-circuit due to overheating air conditioners likely caused the blaze.
A potential disaster was narrowly avoided at Jalandhar Civil Hospital on Tuesday morning when a fire erupted in the gynaecology ward.
Around 5:30 AM, the blaze started in the antenatal room, prompting immediate action from hospital staff. Four pregnant women in the room were quickly relocated to other areas. The fire and heavy smoke were reportedly initiated by a short-circuit stemming from two overheated air conditioners.
Emergency protocols were enacted as thick smoke filled the department, causing alarm among patients and their families. On-site fire extinguishers were used to combat the flames, and the fire brigade was alerted. Staff and attendants collaborated to move vulnerable patients, including mothers and newborns, from both the gynaecology and pediatric wards as a precautionary measure.
Firefighting teams successfully controlled the fire. The hospital's electrical department has commenced an inspection of the facility's wiring and appliances to ensure such hazardous events do not reoccur.
