MP: Blaze at Hospital Claims Life After Patient's Oxygen Mask Comes Off During Evacuation
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Synopsis
A fire at Morena District Hospital resulted in the tragic death of a patient when his oxygen mask was dislodged during evacuation efforts. The blaze affected key hospital areas, prompting immediate action from attendants and emergency services.
Key Takeaways
- One fatality reported due to fire.
- Patient's oxygen mask dislodged during evacuation.
- Fire spread rapidly, affecting critical hospital areas.
- Emergency services responded promptly.
- Investigation underway into the cause of the fire.
Bhopal, April 16 (NationPress) A tragic incident unfolded at the old premises of Morena District Hospital, where a fire broke out, devastating the main operation theatre, burn unit, and surgical ward on Wednesday. One individual lost their life as the flames spread and attendants hurriedly evacuated patients. In the commotion, a patient's oxygen mask was dislodged, and, unfortunately, he was pronounced dead by the time he was rescued, according to police reports.
The smoke rapidly filled the gallery next to the surgical ward, necessitating the swift evacuation of patients from both the surgical ward and Ward No. 1. While some attendants assisted patients to safety, others opted to leave independently, disconnecting their drips (intravenous fluid syringe tubes) in the process.
“As the fire escalated, attendants acted quickly to evacuate their patients. Sadly, in the turmoil, a patient's oxygen mask came off, resulting in his untimely death before he could be safely evacuated,” stated Deepali Chandoriya, city superintendent of police (SP), to IANS.
The fire caused a significant amount of smoke in the gallery adjoining the surgical ward, leading to the immediate need for evacuation. “Firefighters were summoned right away, and they managed to control the situation within 10-15 minutes. Fortunately, no other injuries occurred due to the fire,” the SP noted.
Some patients were guided to safety by their attendants, while others navigated their escape alone, removing drips and struggling to reach safety.
“The cause of the fire is suspected to be a short circuit; however, further investigation is needed,” the officer remarked.
According to sources, it may have resulted from electrical overload fluctuations.
Emergency services were alerted, and fire crews responded quickly, as the incident began around 5:45 p.m. Firefighters and hospital personnel worked together to extinguish the fire and avert further damage.
Despite the installation of fire safety pipelines in the hospital, it was reported that neither the alarm nor the siren was activated during the crisis. At the time, the hospital was accommodating approximately 150-175 patients.
The deceased patient has been identified as Virendra Karera, a 50-year-old resident of Chhoda village, who had been admitted earlier that day due to respiratory issues.
