Fire in KGMU’s General Surgery Department: A Swift Evacuation Ensures No Injuries
In a dramatic early-morning event, King George’s Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow was evacuated after a fire broke out in the electrical switchboard of the General Surgery Department. The incident, which occurred at 11:50 pm on Friday, left no one injured, with all patients safely evacuated to a nearby area.
Panic Grips Hospital Staff and Attendants
As smoke spread through the paediatric surgery ward on the first floor, panic gripped hospital staff and attendants. The source of the smoke was traced to an electrical switchboard in the basement of the General Surgery Department. According to officials, the fire safety team and police were promptly informed, and a swift evacuation was initiated.
Evacuation Efforts: A Team Effort
The evacuation of around 50 children, including patients on ventilator and oxygen support, was carried out with precision and speed. Nurses, ward attendants, and paramedical staff worked in tandem to shift the children to safer areas. Anxious attendants gathered outside the building as the evacuation continued. KGMU spokesperson Prof K K Singh, who was present at the spot, said a child on ventilator support and two patients on high-flow oxygen were shifted along with life-support equipment.
Fire Safety Team Contain the Fire
The fire safety team at KGMU sprang into action, using fire extinguishers to contain the fire before it could spread. Firefighters assisted in ventilation and safety checks, ensuring that the situation remained under control. As the smoke filled parts of the ward, hospital staff switched on exhaust fans and opened doors and windows to clear the air.
A Calm and Swift Operation
Attendants praised the hospital staff for their swift and efficient evacuation operation. “We were confused about what was happening, but the nurses picked up the children and started shifting them outside within minutes. They remained with them throughout the incident,” said Suresh Kumar, father of a child admitted to the ward. Another attendant, Nisha Singh, said doctors and paramedical staff remained calm and kept assuring families that the children were safe.
Chief Fire Officer Supervises Operation
Chief Fire Officer Ankush Mittal later reached the hospital and supervised the operation. After the smoke cleared and the building was declared safe, patients were shifted back to their wards around 1 am. The cause of the incident is being investigated, according to officials.
A Separate Incident: Short Circuit in Paediatric Orthopaedics Department
In a separate incident on Friday afternoon, a short circuit was reported in the procedure room of the paediatric orthopaedics department. Officials said no procedure was underway at the time. Power supply to the room was disconnected as a precaution and restored after repairs, a senior faculty member said.
The swift evacuation and containment of the fire at KGMU demonstrate the hospital’s preparedness and commitment to ensuring the safety of its patients and staff. As the investigation into the cause of the incident continues, the hospital remains vigilant, taking all necessary precautions to prevent such incidents in the future.