A devastating fire broke out at City Hospital on Trichy Road in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul on Thursday night, claiming the lives of seven individuals, including a child, and leaving several others injured. The tragic incident has left the region in shock, as authorities scramble to investigate the cause of the fire.
Details of the Incident
The fire reportedly started around 8 PM at the private City Hospital, a well-known medical facility in Dindigul. Police and Fire Department officials were alerted, and fire tenders arrived promptly to combat the blaze. It took nearly two hours for the fire personnel to douse the flames.
The victims were found unconscious in a lift and were immediately transported to nearby hospitals. Unfortunately, they were pronounced dead due to suffocation upon arrival.
Evacuation and Rescue Efforts
Fire and Rescue Services personnel swiftly evacuated approximately 30 patients from the hospital. These individuals were relocated to the district’s Government Hospital and other nearby private hospitals for treatment.
Speaking to ANI, Dindigul District Collector MN Poongodi confirmed the rescue operations, stating:
“A fire broke out at a private hospital about two hours ago. The patients here have been rescued and admitted to nearby government and private hospitals.”
Suspected Cause of the Fire
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. Police officials have launched a detailed investigation to confirm the cause and ensure accountability.
TV footage from the scene showed thick smoke and flames billowing from the hospital building, as fire trucks worked tirelessly to control the blaze and prevent further casualties.
Casualties and Impact
- Seven lives lost, including a young boy.
- Many other patients sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment.
- The hospital building sustained significant damage due to the fire.
This tragic incident has raised serious concerns about fire safety protocols in hospitals, especially in critical care facilities.
Government Response and Public Reaction
The local administration, led by District Collector MN Poongodi, has assured a thorough investigation into the incident. Fire safety compliance and electrical maintenance at hospitals will likely come under scrutiny following this tragedy.
The incident has sparked grief and outrage among the public, with many demanding stricter fire safety regulations for medical facilities to prevent similar incidents in the future.
A Call for Action
As investigations continue, the focus must remain on ensuring justice for the victims and implementing reforms to prevent such heart-wrenching incidents.
