Fire at Jodhpur Private Hospital, no injuries reported
Jodhpur- Panic erupted after a fire broke out at a private hospital in Jodhpur late Wednesday night. However, patients and staff were safely evacuated, and no casualties were reported, police said.
The hospital, located on Paota B Road, first reported smoke spotted in the air-conditioning duct before the fire alarm went off. According to reports, the fire broke out on the first floor and soon spread to the second and third floors.
Hospital owner, Dr Ajay Parihar, stated that OPD operations on the first floor usually conclude around 7:15 PM. He mentioned that smoke was first spotted coming from the AC duct, after which the fire alarm went off.
Following the incident, patients present in the Outpatient Department (OPD) were immediately evacuated. Six admitted patients were transferred to a nearby private hospital, while two others, due for discharge, were sent home. While a female staff member fainted due to the smoke during the evacuation, officials said.
Speaking to TNIE, Mahamandir SHO Devendra Singh Deora stated that all patients were safely evacuated and there are no reports of any casualties.
Immediately after the incident, the fire brigade and police were informed. After getting the information, they arrived at the scene and brought the fire under control within 30 minutes.
Chief Fire Officer Jai Singh Chauhan stated that a preliminary investigation revealed a short circuit caused by an excessive load on the hospital's air-conditioning system. Meanwhile, the renovation work was also underway in the building.
He further stated that orders for a detailed inquiry have been issued. Preliminary investigations have also revealed that the annual electrical safety inspection had not been conducted at the hospital; compliance with fire safety regulations will also be examined.
