West Bengal hospital fire: Three killed, 50 children injured; Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia announced

Kolkata: At least three people were charred to death and over fifty others were left injured after a massive fire broke out at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital in the state of West Bengal on Saturday, a report said. 

As per the report, two female staff were killed in the tragic incident whereas fifty children were left with burn children after the fire broke out in the hospital early today.

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ordered the formation of a committee to probe the fire tragedy at Murshidabad Medical College and Hospital. 

CM Mamata, who will be personally monitoring the situation, has asked the state police, fire department, and health department to submit detailed reports on the incident.

 

The fire broke at the male surgical ward on the first floor of the hospital, a source told media, adding that short circuit is believed to be the reason behind the incident. 

The state government has announced a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the families of the victims who lost their lives in the incident.

In a footage shared online, rescuers and civilians are seen rushing into the building to assist the people engulfed in smoke. There is no information about how bedridden patients in the hospital can be rescued. Some infants inside the hospital are reportedly said to have gone missing after the fire broke out.  

According to another visual shared, hospital patients were seen breaking windows to escape the fire and the billowing smoke. 

Meanwhile, fire tenders have reached the hospital and are trying to douse the fire.

More details awaited.