Minor Fire at Sassoon General Hospital Leads to Evacuation of 70 Patients, No Injuries Reported

A minor blaze broke out in Sassoon General Hospital’s male general ward early Monday, prompting the safe evacuation of about 70 patients, with hospital staff and firefighters quickly containing the incident.

Pune | 10 March: A small fire broke out in the early hours of Monday at Sassoon General Hospital, leading to the precautionary evacuation of around 70 patients from a male general ward, officials said. The incident occurred at about 4:45 am in a storage area above a nurses’ room on the ground floor of the three‑storey building, which houses ward supplies such as registers, medicines, books and a wheelchair.

Security personnel and hospital staff were the first to respond after noticing the flames. Before the arrival of firefighting teams, they used fire extinguishers on site, helping keep the situation under control. Three fire‑service vehicles, including tenders and water tankers, rushed to the hospital after receiving an emergency call around 5:01 am.

By the time fire crews reached the spot, smoke had already spread through parts of the ward. Fire Officer Vijay Bhilare said the hospital’s fire safety systems and the swift action by staff played a crucial role in preventing the blaze from spreading further. Hospital employees had begun tackling the fire with extinguishers, which significantly helped contain the flames.

To clear smoke from the affected ward, firefighters employed ventilation techniques and exhaust blowers, improving air circulation and ensuring patients and staff could breathe more easily. All 70 patients present in the ward at the time were safely evacuated to secure areas within the hospital during the operation.

Once the smoke had been cleared and the area secured, firefighters deployed hose lines with jet and spray water to fully extinguish the fire. Officials described the incident as minor and noted that it was handled quickly due to the preparedness of hospital personnel, who regularly undergo fire safety training and drills.

Preliminary investigations suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit in the loft area where supplies were stored, though authorities said a detailed probe will determine the exact cause. Hospital operations resumed soon after the situation was brought under control and there were no reports of injuries among patients, staff or firefighters.

Officials also emphasised the importance of regular fire safety audits and drills in healthcare facilities, especially where vulnerable patients are present. Fire safety experts say rapid response and the presence of functional safety equipment are vital in preventing small incidents from escalating into major tragedies.

Residents and hospital visitors watching the incident unfold commended the quick reaction of staff and emergency teams. “It was tense for a few minutes, but I’m relieved everyone was evacuated safely,” said a relative of a patient who was moved out of the ward during the fire. Hospital authorities reiterated that patient safety is always the top priority, and additional safety measures are being reviewed in light of the incident.

Officials also noted that regular maintenance of electrical infrastructure and proper storage protocols can greatly reduce the risk of such fires, especially in high‑risk environments like hospitals. The fire department will submit a detailed report once the investigation conclude

Follow us On Our Social media Handles :
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
Twitter

Also Read- Pune