Tamil Nadu: 6 dead as fire breaks out at hospital in Dindigul

In Tamil Nadu, at least 6 patients were killed and 20 others were injured after a fire broke out in a leading orthopaedic hospital in Dindigul. Among the deceased are one child and two women, according to local authorities.The fire originated in the reception area on the ground floor, with the suspected cause being a short circuit. The flames rapidly spread to other floors, engulfing the building.The incident took place at around 8pm on Thursday at City Hospital on Trichy Road.

#WATCH | Tamil Nadu: A huge fire broke out at a private hospital in Dindigul, fire fighting operations underway. pic.twitter.com/FnjEG91ca6

— ANI (@ANI) December 12, 2024

According to news agency PTI, police and fire department officials said the six victims were found unconscious in a lift. They were rushed to a hospital where they were declared dead by doctors. The remaining patients were safely evacuated and shifted to nearby hospitals, mostly government facilities, the officials said.Approximately 50 ambulances have been mobilised to transfer patients to safer facilities. At least 30 patients have been admitted to the Dindigul government hospital for treatment. Fire service personnel battled for over an hour to bring the blaze under control, while rescue operations to locate and assist those trapped inside are still ongoing.