Pune witnessed a potential disaster narrowly averted as the Pune Fire Department promptly responded to a fire at Sassoon Hospital’s new building, managed by the Maharashtra state government. The incident occurred at 08:10 pm, and the immediate action by the fire department, along with the quick thinking of hospital security personnel, prevented a major catastrophe.
Two fire tenders, dispatched from the fire headquarters and Naidu fire station, arrived at the scene to find significant smoke within the hospital premises. The source of the fire was identified on the tenth floor, originating in the duct behind a toilet in one of the wards, resulting in the generation of substantial smoke.
Firefighters, supported by the hospital’s security personnel, swiftly contained the fire using firefighting equipment, ensuring the safety of all patients in the affected ward. Senior Police Inspector Sandipan Pawar, in-charge of Bundgarden police station, confirmed that the fire has been completely extinguished, and the situation is now under control, with no reported injuries or casualties.
Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have been caused by someone smoking in the hospital toilet. Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the incident and implement necessary measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
This incident highlights the importance of vigilant staff and efficient emergency response systems in ensuring the safety of public spaces, especially in critical institutions like hospitals.
