Minor Blaze Sparks Panic but No Major Damage Reported
Balasore: A brief moment of panic swept through the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital on Saturday after a fire broke out in the sweeper office. Hospital staff and attendants rushed for safety as smoke filled the corridor, but quick action ensured the situation remained under control. Fortunately, no major loss or disruption to medical services was reported.
Hospital Officials Confirm No Casualties
Speaking to Pragtivadi, hospital authorities confirmed that no lives were lost in the incident. Firefighters brought the flames under control swiftly, and doctors and nurses resumed their duties soon after the affected area was cleared. An internal inquiry has been ordered to identify the exact cause of the fire.
Short Circuit Suspected Behind the Incident
Preliminary findings point to a short circuit as the most likely trigger for the blaze. According to Kalinga TV, all stored items in the room—including phenyl bottles, clothing materials and spirits—were reduced to ashes. Despite the destruction of supplies, hospital operations remained unaffected.
Employee Residing in Storeroom Was Absent During Fire
Authorities noted that a hospital employee, who reportedly used the storeroom as a resting space, was absent at the time of the fire. Officials said this detail will also be examined during the investigation, as the practice of staying in storage areas raises safety concerns.
Attendants Alert Authorities After Noticing Smoke
The fire was first detected by patients’ attendants, who spotted smoke emerging from the room and immediately alerted hospital staff. The administration quickly contacted the fire department, whose personnel reached the spot without delay and extinguished the flames before they spread to adjacent sections.
Detailed Investigation Underway to Assess Safety Lapses
As reported by Odisha TV, hospital authorities and fire safety officials have begun a detailed investigation to determine whether all electrical and safety protocols were being followed at the time of the incident. They will also assess the extent of damage caused within the storeroom.
Hospital Management Plans to Strengthen Fire Safety Systems
In the aftermath of the fire, the hospital management has assured that all electrical wiring, storage practices and fire preparedness measures will be reviewed and upgraded. Staff members stressed the importance of periodic inspections and adherence to safety norms to prevent similar incidents.
Similar Fire Incidents Reported in Other Hospitals
This incident comes shortly after previous hospital fire reports, including one from Betul District Hospital in Madhya Pradesh, where a short-circuit triggered a blaze in a storeroom. Hospital staff there managed to contain the fire within minutes, ensuring that patients were safely shifted and a major disaster was averted.
