Fire breaks out at Kolkata hospital, cancer patient dies from smoke inhalation – India TV

A tragic incident occurred early this morning at Sialdah ESI Hospital in Kolkata, where a fire broke out in the men’s surgery ward on the first floor around 4 am. Unfortunately, the smoke caused a cancer patient to suffocate and lose his life.

Witnesses reported that the fire was started by a short circuit in the air conditioning system. In response to the emergency, authorities quickly shifted 54 patients to ESI Hospital in Manicktala for their safety. Patients remaining in the affected area have been transferred to other departments and the situation is now said to be under control.

The location of the hospital allowed rapid intervention by the fire services, with ten fire engines arriving on the scene. Firefighters managed to put out the fire in less than an hour using five engines.

As investigations into the incident continue, questions are being raised about the adequacy of fire safety measures in place at this central government hospital. Authorities should conduct a thorough review to ensure such a tragedy does not happen again.