BENGALURU: A fire broke out in the early hours of Tuesday in the seminar room of the burns block at Victoria Hospital, prompting swift evacuation and relocation of 26 patients. No injuries or casualties were reported, and hospital authorities confirmed that medical care continued without disruption.
According to officials from Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMCRI), the fire started around 3:00 am due to a short circuit in a switchboard in the seminar room of the MBCC block. The flames spread to nearby electrical panels, producing thick smoke that was quickly detected by hospital staff and attendants.
Alerted by the smoke, staff and security personnel immediately informed fire and emergency services. Working under the supervision of hospital and department heads, the team quickly relocated all 26 patients from the burns ward, which is adjacent to the affected room, to the H block of the hospital as a precaution.
Of the 26 patients shifted, five were in the intensive care unit. The group included 14 men, five women, and seven children.
“The fire was confined to the seminar room and was promptly extinguished by the fire department. Thanks to the vigilance of our team and the quick response from the fire brigade, the situation was brought under control without any harm to patients or staff,” said Dr Ramesh Krishna, Dean and Director of BMCRI.
He, along with Medical Superintendent Dr Deepak and Head of Plastic Surgery Dr Yogeshwarappa, coordinated the evacuation. Professor Dr Smitha also assisted in the operation.
“All patients are stable and safe. Their attendants, along with the ward’s doctors and paramedical staff, are unharmed,” Dr Krishna confirmed. “Medical care has continued seamlessly in the new location.”
A hospital statement confirmed that the fire was minor and limited to the seminar room, caused by a short circuit. Air quality in the area is being monitored, and an internal review of electrical systems has been initiated to prevent future incidents.
