Fire at Kolkata Hospital Kills One Patient

A major fire broke out early Friday morning at the Sealdah ESI Hospital in Kolkata, causing the death of a cancer patient, Uttam Bardhan, who succumbed to smoke inhalation. The fire, suspected to have originated from a short circuit in the air-conditioning unit in the male surgical ward, prompted a swift evacuation of approximately 90 patients, with around 50 transferred to other facilities. Firefighters successfully controlled the blaze within a short period, utilizing at least 10 fire tenders in the operation. Hospital officials acknowledged the chaos, with patients describing panic as thick smoke spread through the wards. State Fire Services Minister Sujit Basu commended the prompt rescue efforts that likely prevented greater casualties. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, as hospital authorities work to assess the damage and ensure patient safety.