A massive fire broke out at Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Wednesday (Oct 3) morning. 

The fire is said to have started in the Department Of Pharmacy on the ground floor at around 8am. Ten fire engines and a team of Kolkata police officers have rushed to the spot and over 250 patients have been evacuated. 

According to eyewitnesses, many patients tried to jump out of the hospital windows to save themselves. 

Several patients with asthma and lung illnesses were rushed to other wards due to smoke, the Kolkata Police said.

The oxygen cylinders kept in the store room of the hospital were a matter of concern as the room is close to the epicenter of the fire, the fire department officials said.

While all patients are said to be safe and no casualties have been reported so far, the situation has led to panic in the area. 

Fire department officers suspect that a short circuit led to the incident and are trying to ascertain if the hospital had adopted adequate fire safety measures. 

Source: News 18

BDST: 1118 HRS, OCT 3, 2018
SI/SMS