Mumbai: A fire broke out at Bhatia Hospital in the Grant Road area on Monday afternoon, triggering a swift response from emergency services. The incident was reported at around 1.35 pm, following which teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) rushed to the spot. Officials confirmed that the fire was confined to electrical wiring and installations in the CT-MRI unit located on the hospital’s ground floor and was brought under control without any casualties.
Fire confined to diagnostic unit
According to officials from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the blaze originated in the CT-MRI section of the hospital and primarily involved electrical wiring and related installations. Due to the nature of the equipment housed in the area, thick smoke spread quickly across parts of the ground floor, causing temporary concern among hospital staff and visitors.
Firefighters acted promptly to prevent the flames from spreading to other sections of the hospital. Within a short span of time, the fire was successfully extinguished, and cooling operations were carried out to ensure there was no risk of re-ignition.
Emergency services mobilised
As a precautionary measure, multiple emergency response teams were deployed at the hospital premises. Apart from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, personnel from the Mumbai Police, BEST undertaking, local ward staff, and 108 ambulance services were mobilised to handle any potential medical emergencies or evacuation requirements.
Hospital authorities coordinated closely with emergency responders to ensure that patients, particularly those in critical care areas, remained safe throughout the incident. Sources said that no evacuation of patients was required as the fire was restricted to a single unit and was brought under control quickly.
No injuries reported
Officials confirmed that no injuries or loss of life were reported in the incident. Patients, doctors, nurses, and other staff members were reported to be safe. The hospital continued functioning, though access to the affected CT-MRI unit was restricted pending inspection and repair.
A hospital official said that internal safety protocols were activated immediately after the fire was detected, and staff were trained to respond calmly to avoid panic among patients and their families.
Cause of fire under assessment
While preliminary information suggests that the fire was caused by an electrical fault, authorities said a detailed assessment would be carried out to ascertain the exact cause. Electrical inspectors and hospital maintenance teams are expected to examine the affected area and equipment before resuming normal operations in the diagnostic unit.
Officials said that such incidents underline the importance of regular safety audits, especially in hospitals where high-powered electrical equipment is in constant use.
Fire safety preparedness highlighted
The incident once again highlighted the importance of fire safety preparedness in healthcare facilities across the city. Mumbai Fire Brigade officials noted that timely reporting and quick response played a crucial role in preventing the incident from escalating into a major disaster.
In recent years, authorities have repeatedly stressed the need for hospitals to strictly adhere to fire safety norms, including regular maintenance of electrical systems, functional fire alarms, and trained staff capable of handling emergencies.
Conclusion
The fire at Bhatia Hospital’s CT-MRI unit caused brief disruption and concern but was handled efficiently by emergency services. With no injuries reported and the blaze confined to a limited area, officials said the situation was fully under control. Authorities are expected to review safety measures and carry out necessary inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future.