Kolkata: A 46-year-old woman died after a tree suddenly fell on her inside the premises of the state-run SSKM Hospital on Monday, police said. Another woman, who was sitting beside her, sustained serious injuries and is undergoing treatment.
The deceased was identified as Rahida Bibi, a resident of Nalhati in Birbhum district. Police have launched a preliminary investigation into the circumstances that led to the tree falling within the hospital campus.
The incident occurred near the urology outpatient department (OPD), where Rahida had reportedly accompanied her relative for medical treatment.
Tree falls near urology OPD
According to police and hospital sources, Rahida was sitting on a bench in front of the urology OPD clinic along with her relative, Aklima Bibi, when the tree suddenly uprooted and fell on them.
Both women suffered injuries and were immediately taken to the trauma care unit located within the SSKM Hospital premises.
Despite medical efforts, doctors declared Rahida dead after she was brought for treatment.
Aklima Bibi sustained serious injuries and is continuing to undergo treatment.
Woman had accompanied relative for treatment
Hospital sources said Rahida had travelled from Nalhati to Kolkata with Aklima, who was receiving treatment in the hospital’s urology department.
What began as a visit to seek medical care ended in tragedy when the tree collapsed near the OPD area.
The incident caused concern among patients, attendants and others present in the busy hospital complex.
The hospital campus witnesses a large number of patients and visitors every day, particularly around the OPD sections, making the sudden tree fall a serious safety incident.
Body sent for post-mortem
Police said the body of Rahida Bibi was sent for a post-mortem examination.
The circumstances behind the tree falling are now being examined as part of the preliminary investigation.
Officials are expected to look into factors such as the condition of the tree and other circumstances that may have contributed to it uprooting.
No conclusion regarding the exact cause has been announced so far.
The investigation will seek to establish whether any environmental or structural factors played a role in the incident.
Probe into incident underway
A police officer said a preliminary investigation has been initiated into the incident.
Authorities are examining the circumstances surrounding the tree fall and are likely to gather relevant information from hospital officials and witnesses.
The condition of the injured woman will also continue to be monitored as she receives treatment at the hospital.
The tragic incident has highlighted safety concerns surrounding large trees in busy public spaces, particularly in hospital premises where patients and their relatives frequently gather.
Further details are expected to emerge after the investigation into the circumstances leading to the tree fall progresses.