J&K: Fire Breaks Out At Poonch District Hospital, No Casualties

JAMMU, Sep 19: Panic gripped the District Hospital in Poonch on Saturday after a fire broke out in an area near the labour room, but prompt action by hospital staff and fire and emergency services prevented the blaze from spreading to the wards. No casualties or injuries were reported.

The fire broke out around 8 am in garbage dumped outside the hospital’s labour room and quickly spread to the windows of a nearby room where unused hospital equipment was stored, officials said.

Hospital staff immediately attempted to douse the flames and alerted the fire and emergency services and police. A fire tender was rushed to the hospital and brought the blaze under control before it could reach the patient areas.

A doctor said the fire was accidental and initially spread rapidly. The affected room is located around 10 metres from the hospital wards, but the alertness of the staff prevented the flames from spreading.

There was no major damage to the hospital, though a couple of windows were burnt and some unused equipment was damaged. The hospital’s fire safety system was also activated.

The incident triggered panic among patients and attendants, with several patients moved to safer areas as a precaution. Thick smoke was seen billowing from the affected section.

The situation was brought under control shortly afterwards, and no injuries were reported.

A police team inspected the scene to ascertain the circumstances leading to the fire and has started an investigation.