Six killed, several injured in fire at private hospital in India

TAMIL NADU (India), December 13 — As many as six people lost their lives in the fire accident that occurred at a private hospital in Tamil Nadu's Dindigul on Thursday night, the Dindigul district Superintendent of Police said.

Over 20 people were injured and many feared dead in a massive fire at a private hospital in Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu on Thursday night.

More than three fire engines and over 10 ambulances were deployed to rescue patients trapped inside the hospital in the Gandhi Nagar area near the Dindigul-Trichy highway, a senior official said.

According to Dindigul District Collector MN Poongodi, the patients have been rescued and admitted to other hospitals.

"A fire broke out at a private hospital. The patients here have been rescued and admitted to nearby government and private hospitals," the District Collector said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condoled the death of victims and announced an ex-gratia of Rs 3 lakh each to the next of kinThe CM expressed his sympathies with the families of the victims that included a minor girl. Two other deceased persons hailed from Theni district.

He also extended assistance of Rs 1 lakh each to those under treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) with serious injuries and Rs 50,000 to persons with simple injuries.

The CM further said he has directed that the best medical treatment be provided to those admitted in nearby government and private hospitals.

Official sources in Dinidgul said three persons were currently under treatment in ICU.

On Thursday, around 9.30 pm, a blaze erupted in the private hospital, leaving six dead. The victims were found unconscious in a lift and were declared dead by doctors at a hospital.

They had suffocated to death, police and fire officials said.

—Business Standard