Fire at ESI hospital in Kolkata, one dead

Kolkata: A significant fire erupted at the Sealdah Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) hospital in Kolkata on Friday morning, resulting in the death of a patient. The victim, identified as Uttam Bardhan, was being treated for cancer and experienced severe distress due to smoke inhalation, leading to his admission to the critical care unit. Despite the medical team’s efforts, he succumbed to his condition around 9:30 a.m.

The fire was first detected by a hospital staff member who observed smoke coming from the male surgery ward on the first floor and promptly alerted the authorities. At least ten fire engines were dispatched to the scene to extinguish the flames.

Eighty patients from the male surgery ward were safely evacuated by firemen and personnel from the State Disaster Management Department. State Fire Services Minister Sujit Basu arrived at the hospital to oversee the firefighting efforts and ensure the evacuation was carried out smoothly.

“The fire officials and firemen have performed exceptionally well, managing to control the fire quickly and minimizing potential losses. Fortunately, the incident occurred during a time of reduced patient traffic,” noted the minister.

The hospital’s outdoor unit will remain closed for the day. While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, fire officials suspect that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze. Family members of the hospitalized patients rushed to the location, but the Fire Services Department reassured them that the situation was under control.