A devastating fire at City Hospital on Trichy Road in Tamil Nadu's Dindigul has claimed at least seven lives, including that of a child, and left over 100 patients trapped inside. The incident occurred on Thursday night around 8 PM, with initial reports pointing to an electrical short circuit as the likely cause.

Efforts to Rescue Patients

The four-story hospital was engulfed in flames, prompting immediate action from police and fire services. Over 50 ambulances, including private ones, were deployed to evacuate patients to nearby facilities, primarily government hospitals. Rescue teams managed to evacuate approximately 30 inpatients from the building.

Tragically, six victims were discovered unconscious inside a lift and succumbed to suffocation before being rushed to the district general hospital, where they were declared dead.

Firefighting and Investigation

Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours, with TV footage showing thick smoke and flames emanating from the hospital. The Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services are conducting a thorough investigation to confirm the cause of the fire, although preliminary evidence suggests it was triggered by a short circuit.

Widespread Impact and Response

The incident has shocked the community, with officials expressing their condolences to the families of the victims. Authorities are working to ensure the safety of all remaining patients and staff while assessing the extent of the damage. This tragic event highlights the critical importance of fire safety measures in healthcare facilities, particularly in multi-story buildings that house vulnerable patients. Further details on the investigation and response efforts are awaited.