A fire broke out at Ramanathapuram medical college hospital

Patients were being rushed outside the Government Ramanathapuram Medical College Hospital where the fire broke out on Wednesday night. | Photo Credit: L. Balachandar

A fire broke out in the panel room on the second floor of the Government Ramanathapuram Medical College Hospital ward on Wednesday night, prompting patients to shift to safer places.

The fire started in one of the generator rooms, and most of the building was engulfed in smoke. Although the fire was quickly extinguished by Fire and Rescue Services personnel, smoke continued to spread in the wards.

To avoid any untoward incident, the hospital staff rushed the patients to the area using wheelchairs and beds.

District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon, who was rushed to the hospital, told media that preliminary investigations revealed that an electrical short circuit in the panel room was the cause of the fire. “Although it was extinguished, due to the persistent smoke, the patients on the second, third and fourth floors were moved. “Two patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit were transferred to the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) unit,” he said.

The fire alarm system was activated and the sprinklers released water, which contained the fire. Fire and Rescue Service personnel extinguished what was left of the fire and dispersed the smoke, he added.

He said no problems were reported.