How Burning Cigarette Stubs Led To Fire Break Out in Kolkata’s Medical College And Hospital

Kolkata: A minor fire broke out at the Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon, sending ripples of panic through patients, visitors, and staff. The blaze was first spotted around 1 pm at a garbage dump near the facility’s Green Building on College Street. According to officials, initial findings suggest that the fire may have been triggered by burning cigarette stubs carelessly discarded at the site. Two fire engines rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames within 30 minutes. Thankfully, no casualties or injuries were reported. Even though the fire was quickly brought under control, the sight of smoke rising from within the hospital premises left many unsettled. Several patients were seen anxiously peering out from the wards, while staff and visitors temporarily moved away from the affected area as a precaution. Officials confirmed that normal hospital operations resumed soon after the fire was extinguished. However, the incident has once again highlighted the dangers of negligence and the importance of stricter fire safety measures in sensitive public facilities like hospitals. Similarly, a few days ago, a massive fire broke out at the historic Dey’s Medical factory on Bondel Road in South Kolkata on Saturday evening, filling the area with thick black smoke. The blaze started around 4.15 pm, and the factory’s own firefighting team initially tried to control it. However, as the flames spread rapidly, the fire brigade was called in. Ten fire tenders are currently at the scene, working to bring the situation under control. (inputs from PTI) Read more