Short Circuit in ICU AC Unit Suspected Behind Major Fire Incident
A major fire incident at a private hospital in Dehradun on Wednesday morning triggered panic after a suspected short circuit in an air-conditioning unit inside the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) led to a massive blaze. The incident claimed the life of a 66-year-old female patient and left 16 others injured, including three police personnel involved in rescue operations.
The tragic incident has once again raised serious concerns over fire safety standards and emergency preparedness in hospitals across the country.
Elderly Woman Dies Due to Suspected Smoke Inhalation
According to reports, the deceased woman was a resident of Balliwala and had been admitted to Panacea Hospital on Monday. She was diabetic and was undergoing treatment on ventilator support inside the ICU when the fire broke out around 9:20 am.
Family members alleged that although she was evacuated from the ICU, she had inhaled a large amount of smoke during the incident.
“By the time I reached, she had passed away. We were told she inhaled excessive smoke and died due to asphyxiation,” the victim’s son told media persons.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Manoj Sharma confirmed that the body has been sent for postmortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.
Thick Smoke Spread Rapidly Inside ICU
Hospital staff and eyewitnesses stated that thick smoke engulfed the ICU within minutes after the alleged short circuit in the AC system. Sources said the presence of oxygen supply lines inside the ICU may have worsened the situation.
“We immediately shut down major electrical appliances and switches, but the fire spread very quickly,” a hospital staff member said.
At the time of the incident, 14 patients were admitted to the hospital, including six patients in the ICU. One critically ill patient was shifted to Coronation District Hospital, while several others were transferred to nearby private hospitals for treatment.
Police Personnel Among Those Hospitalised
Three police personnel who participated in the rescue operations also suffered breathing difficulties and suffocation due to heavy smoke exposure. They were later admitted to hospital for treatment.
Officials stated that around 10 people, including two police personnel, remain in critical condition.
Fire Department Used Entire 6,000-Litre Water Tanker
Hospital owner Ranveer Chauhan said the intensity of the fire was extremely severe and exhausted the entire 6,000-litre firefighting water tanker available on the premises.
“The fire was massive. The fire department has completed its inspections,” Chauhan said.
Uttarakhand Government Orders Statewide Hospital Safety Inspection
Following the incident, the Uttarakhand government has ordered a comprehensive inspection of all private hospitals in the state to assess fire safety compliance and emergency response systems.
Inspector General Rajeev Swarup said preliminary findings suggest that a short circuit may have triggered the blaze, though a detailed investigation is still underway.
The district administration has directed concerned departments to conduct a thorough inquiry into the incident and evaluate the extent of damage caused by the fire.
Rising Concerns Over Hospital Fire Safety
The Dehradun hospital fire has once again highlighted the urgent need for strict enforcement of fire safety norms in healthcare facilities, especially in critical care areas like ICUs where oxygen support systems significantly increase fire risks.
The incident comes amid growing scrutiny over hospitals allegedly operating without adequate fire safety clearances and emergency evacuation protocols.
