Bengaluru – In a close call during the early hours of Tuesday, a fire broke out in the burns ward of the government-run Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru, prompting the emergency evacuation of 26 inpatients by alert hospital staff. The incident occurred around 3:00 a.m. and was reportedly caused by a short circuit in the switchboard, according to preliminary police investigation.
Timely Action by Night Duty Doctor Averts Disaster
Dr. Divya, who was on night duty, noticed smoke and flames in the seminar hall near the burns ward around 3:30 a.m. She immediately raised the alarm and initiated the evacuation, contacting the hospital superintendent, police, and fire control room.
Thanks to her swift action and the coordinated efforts of the hospital team, all 26 patients—including ICU cases—were safely relocated to H Block within 30 minutes.
The burns ward at the time had 14 men, 5 women, and 7 children admitted.
Extent of Damage and Emergency Response
While there were no casualties or injuries, some equipment, a patient bed, and hospital registers were destroyed in the fire. The Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the scene and successfully doused the blaze.
Authorities have confirmed that the situation is under control and an official probe is underway to verify the exact cause and assess safety lapses.
Rising Fire Incidents Raise Concerns in Bengaluru
The incident adds to a string of recent fire accidents in Bengaluru, raising public concerns over safety compliance:
- Feb 19, 2024: Major fire at a perfume warehouse in Ramasamudra claimed three lives.
- Mar 20, 2024: A fire in J.P. Nagar killed a mother and her two sons.
- May 1, 2024: A gas leak-related fire left two dead and three injured in Madanayakanahalli.
Call for Hospital Fire Safety Audits
This latest incident underscores the urgent need for regular fire safety audits and infrastructure upgrades in government hospitals, especially those treating high-risk patients like burn victims. Hospital authorities and state officials are expected to review fire preparedness protocols in the coming days.
