India: 93 (figure updated) patients suffocated to death in hospital fire in Kolkata

Kolkata, Dec 9 (PTI) 93 persons mostly patients choked to death when a major fire engulfed a centrally-airconditioned seven-storey private hospital in the metropolis early today. The fire in the annexe building of the 190-bed AMRI hospital at Dhakuria in south Kolkata was detected at around 3:30 AM local time (05.30 hrs ahead of GMT) by local people who rushed to the gates, but were driven away by the security guards, following which the fire spread swiftly, Urban Development Minister Firhad Hakim of West Bengal state government said. As smoke billowed out, firemen using ladders with platforms smashed window panes in the facade of the building to rescue patients trapped inside the ICU, ICCU, Intensive Therapy Unit and Critical Care units. The firemen evacuated patients with pulleys from the upper floors as they were not in a condition to be taken down by ladders put up by the fire brigade all around the building. Additional Director General, Fire Services, D Biswas said that the fire brigade was informed at 4:10 AM and responded immediately but relatives of victims alleged that there was inordinate delay in the rescue operations. Biswas also said that patients who died were admitted in the critical care and orthopaedic units and were unable to move. The fire which was suspected to have originated in the electrical department in the basement of the building swiftly spread, with the third floor and above being affected the most, fire brigade sources said. Among the casualties were three staff members, AMRI hospital Senior Vice-President S Upadhay said. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who visited the hospital, ordered a probe. She also directed cancellation of licence of the hospital. A police complaint was also lodged against the hospital authorities under nonbailable sections at the direction of the chief minister. R S Goenka and S K Todi of Emami and Shrachi groups respectively who own the hospital surrendered to the police thereafter. The West Bengal state government announced compensation of Rupees 300,000 (about USD 6,000) each to the next of kin of the victims and offered employment if needed. AMRI hospital has also announced Rupees 500,000 (about USD 10,000) as compensation for the next of kin of those who died, while those injured would be treated free at the hospital. PTI Caption for pic: A patient being rescued after a fire at the AMRI Hospital in Kolkata on Friday morning. PTI Photo