Ahmedabad, India – A massive fire broke out in the basement of Rajasthan Hospital located in Shahibaug, Ahmedabad, causing panic and chaos in the early morning hours.
The incident, which took place at around 4:30 am, triggered an immediate response from firefighting teams, but they faced significant challenges in gaining access to the blaze.
Major Fire Breaks Out in Basement of Rajasthan Hospital in Shahibaug
The fire rapidly escalated, prompting the authorities to issue a brigade call, mobilizing more than 29 firefighting vehicles to the scene.
However, even after 1.5 hours of relentless efforts, the firefighters were unable to penetrate the basement due to the intensity of the flames and the precarious conditions inside.
Fire Officer Jayesh Khadiya provided some preliminary insights into the situation, stating, “The fire broke out at the second basement of Rajasthan Hospital. We received an emergency call in the early hours of the morning, and our teams rushed to the location. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined, but it appears that some renovation work was underway in the basement area.”
Evacuation of Patients
As the fire posed an immediate threat to the safety of patients and staff inside the hospital, authorities took swift action to evacuate more than 120 patients to other nearby medical facilities.
The evacuation process, though challenging, was carried out with utmost care to ensure the well-being of everyone involved.
Firefighting Efforts
#WATCH | Gujarat | Fire breaks out at a hospital in Ahmedabad's Sahibaug area. Around 20-25 fire tenders on the spot. pic.twitter.com/qCoFvUKZyt
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2023
The intensity of the blaze and the thick smoke billowing from the hospital premises presented a formidable challenge for the firefighters.
Around 20-25 fire tenders were deployed to combat the inferno, but gaining control over the situation remained elusive at the time of reporting.
Local residents and onlookers gathered around the hospital premises, expressing concern and solidarity with those affected. The incident caused significant disruption in the area, with authorities cordoning off the vicinity to manage traffic and facilitate the firefighting efforts.
As the situation unfolded, authorities urged people to avoid the area to ensure the safety of the general public and to provide unhindered access to emergency responders.
Response and Support
#WATCH | Fire Officer Jayesh Khadiya, says "Fire broke out at the second basement of Rajasthan Hospital. We got a call around 4:30 am. The reason for fire is yet to be ascertained. Some renovation work was underway in the basement. There is no casualty reported, patients have… pic.twitter.com/GrcrcKoFg3
— ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2023
At present, the exact cause of the fire and the extent of damage to the hospital are yet to be fully assessed. Fire investigators will conduct a thorough examination once the situation is brought under control and the area is deemed safe for inspection.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts to extinguish the flames and secure the premises. They have also assured the public that all necessary measures are being taken to contain the fire and prevent any potential casualties.
Further updates on the incident are awaited as firefighters and emergency responders continue their relentless battle against the blaze. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust fire safety measures in public establishments, especially in places as critical as hospitals, where the lives and well-being of countless individuals are at stake.
