kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Kolkata, April 21: Panic gripped the city early Tuesday morning after a devastating fire broke out at Anandalok Hospital near Karunamoyee in Salt Lake. The blaze reportedly erupted on the second floor of the private hospital, quickly filling large sections of the building with thick smoke and triggering an emergency evacuation of patients and staff.

The fire originated in the operation theatre area located on the second floor. Initial findings suggest that a short circuit in the air conditioning unit of the cath lab adjacent to the operation theatre may have sparked the blaze. Within minutes, dense black smoke engulfed multiple wards, spreading fear among patients and their families.

Four fire engines were rushed to the spot as soon as the alarm was raised. Firefighters began immediate efforts to contain the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the hospital. Witnesses said that smoke was first noticed billowing from the second floor, creating alarm among those present. Soon after, flames could be seen raging inside through the windows, indicating the severity of the situation.

Hospital authorities, along with fire personnel, launched a rapid evacuation drive to ensure the safety of all occupants. Healthcare workers joined firefighters in moving patients out of the smoke-filled building. Several patients were seen being escorted out with saline drips still attached, while others were assisted onto stretchers and wheelchairs before being shifted to ambulances. Temporary arrangements were made to transfer patients to nearby hospitals and an adjacent building to ensure continuity of care.

The time of the incident, there were reportedly around 70 to 72 patients admitted to the hospital. Hospital sources stated that all patients were rescued safely and that there have been no reports of casualties or serious injuries so far. However, some family members alleged that patients whose conditions were not considered critical were made to wait outside the hospital premises. Visuals from the scene showed several patients sitting on the roadside with medical equipment still attached, awaiting further instructions.

The swift response of emergency services played a crucial role in preventing a larger tragedy. Firefighters continued their operations to check whether anyone remained trapped inside the building and to ensure that the fire was fully extinguished. The situation inside the hospital has since been brought under control and is reported to be stable.

An investigation into the cause of the fire has been initiated by both the fire department and the police. Officials from Bidhannagar Police confirmed that personnel, including the officer-in-charge of the local police station, reached the scene promptly after receiving the information. Authorities are examining how the fire started, the exact location of ignition, and how it spread to other areas of the second floor.

Fire department officials are conducting a parallel probe to determine whether there were any lapses in safety measures or electrical systems. Police have stated that appropriate legal action will be taken if any specific complaints or evidence of negligence emerge during the investigation.

Although the incident caused widespread panic and temporary disruption, the coordinated efforts of hospital staff, fire services, and police ensured that all patients were evacuated in time. As investigations continue, authorities are expected to review safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.