Smoke Fills Upper Floors as Basement Catches Fire; Authorities Promise Probe into Fire Safety Lapses
Jammu: A fire broke out in the basement of Rajouri’s Government Medical College and Hospital on Tuesday morning, filling the upper floors with smoke. However, swift action by hospital staff, police, and firefighters ensured the safe evacuation of patients and prevented any casualties.
The incident occurred when some attendants noticed smoke emanating from the basement and immediately alerted the hospital staff. Volunteers, staff members, and patients’ attendants initially attempted to control the fire. Soon after, three fire tenders arrived at the scene, and firefighters managed to extinguish the flames before they could spread to the Outpatient Department (OPD).
Official Statement:
Himanshu Gupta, Assistant Director of the Fire & Emergency Services, confirmed the incident and praised the quick response. “The hospital staff, volunteers, and firefighters acted promptly to contain the fire and ensure the safety of everyone in the building,” he said.
Concerns Over Fire Safety:
Local residents raised concerns about the lack of adequate fire safety measures in the hospital. In response, Rajouri Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma assured a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and the hospital’s fire safety protocols. Sharma visited the hospital to oversee the situation and ensure that healthcare services were restored as quickly as possible.
Conclusion:
The timely evacuation and effective firefighting efforts averted a potential tragedy at the Rajouri hospital. However, the incident has highlighted the need for improved fire safety systems in healthcare facilities. Authorities have pledged to investigate the matter and take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
