Bengaluru: Twenty-one patients had a narrow escape after a fire broke out at a private hospital in northern Bengaluru during the early hours of Wednesday. Quick action by hospital staff and emergency personnel helped prevent a major tragedy, with all patients evacuated safely despite heavy smoke spreading through parts of the building.
The incident occurred at Aveksha Hospital on M.S. Palya Road in Singapura and was reported at around 3.15 am, according to Fire and Emergency Services officials.
Fire suspected to have started in basement
Officials said the fire is suspected to have originated from an electrical cable located in a basement duct of the hospital building.
The blaze reportedly led to dense smoke rapidly spreading through sections of the premises, creating a potentially dangerous situation for patients and staff inside the hospital.
The hospital building is a basement-plus-four-floor structure, and emergency teams immediately initiated response measures after receiving information about the incident.
Authorities are expected to determine the exact cause of the fire after a detailed investigation.
Hospital staff shift ICU patients to safety
According to officials, hospital staff acted quickly before Fire and Emergency Services personnel reached the spot.
Fourteen patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on the second floor were immediately evacuated by staff members after smoke was noticed inside the building.
In total, 21 patients from the hospital’s first floor and ICU sections were safely shifted out in time.
Officials said the prompt action by staff members played a crucial role in preventing casualties.
Despite the challenging conditions created by heavy smoke, all patients escaped without suffering injuries.
Fire services bring situation under control
Emergency response teams reached the location after hospital staff member Yasmin Taj alerted the fire control room regarding the incident.
A fire tender was deployed to the spot and personnel worked to prevent the fire from spreading to other sections of the building.
Fire and Emergency Services officials later brought the blaze under control.
Authorities said the ICU area suffered damage due to smoke and fire exposure.
The exact extent of damage to hospital property has not yet been assessed.
Police begin investigation
Following the incident, officials from the Vidyaranyapura police station visited the location and carried out an inspection.
Police have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ascertain the exact cause of the fire.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of fire safety measures and emergency preparedness in healthcare institutions where patients may have limited mobility during emergencies.