WB: Massive fire breaks out at AMRI hospital in Kolkata

Kolkata: Massive fire broke out at AMRI hospital, South Kolkata in the morning at 3.30 am, said police.

Several people have been injured, while many patients are feared trapped inside the hospital. Reports reveal that around 75-80 people are feared dead, out which three are told be the hospital staff.

At least 24 fire engines have been rushed to the spot and patients are being pulled out from the hospital. The rescue operations are underway.

"Still there is fire in the basement, we are trying to control it. There are many oxygen cylinders and we have rescued many people," said Fire Services Minister Javed Khan.

"The number of injuries is still not known. The fire engulfed four floors of one of the buildings of the AMRI hospital in Dhakuria," said an officer.

Firemen, using ladders smashed window panes in the facade to rescue patients trapped inside the ICU, ICCU, ITU and Critical Care units.

Javed Khan said that the cause of the fire was highly combustible materials and the fire was still not under control.

Sources revealed that the firemen were trying to locate oxygen cylinders stocked, so that they don't explode. It is also said that two fire stations were 2 kms away from the radius.

This is the second such incident taking place at the hospital, with the first in 2008. The state government said that it will take stern action against the hospital management if they violated the safety norms.

OneIndia News