Massive fire breaks out at Gwalior hospital ICU; 190 patients evacuated safely

A huge fire engulfed Kamla Raja Hospital's labor ward ICU in Gwalior early Sunday morning. Quick action by hospital officials and emergency teams resulted in the evacuation of more than 190 patients, of which 13 were critical care patients. No casualties have been reported, as confirmed by officials.

Short circuit in AC suspected as cause

The fire originated at about 1 AM following a short circuit in an ICU air conditioner, according to Gwalior District Collector Ruchika Chauhan. Security staff at the hospital responded very quickly, relocating the patients and moving them to the Super Specialty Hospital for treatment. The fire was subsequently extinguished by the fire department of the Gwalior Municipal Corporation.

Panic and confusion 

Witnesses have told of having pictures of pandemonium in their minds as the fire engulfed the hospital with thick smoke. One of the hospital attendants described, "The whole premises were covered with smoke, and it was difficult to see. Staff members quickly started moving patients to safety positions. All patients are safe now and have been shifted to safer locations."

The authorities have promised a full investigation to establish the actual cause of the fire and to avoid such an incident in the future.

Patients evacuated through windows

Hospital officials and emergency responders toiled day and night to ensure all the patients were safely evacuated. Neeraj, a stretcher bearer at the hospital, said: "The fire was spreading quickly and the smoke was choking. Patients were being evacuated out of windows while attendants scrambled to rescue their loved ones."

The incident happened between 1 AM and 1:30 AM when most of the patients were fast asleep. Luckily, the fire did not spread to the extent that it would cause any deaths.

The authorities are currently concerned with determining the damages and reinforcing fire protective features at the hospital.