PGI Chandigarh Fire Incident: Over 400 Patients Evacuated Safely

A fire broke out at the Nehru Hospital block of the Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) in Chandigarh on October 10, 2023. The fire is suspected to have started in an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) system in the computer room on the first floor of the hospital.

Over 400 patients were evacuated from the hospital to safety. No casualties were reported in the incident, but the fire caused damage to the hospital’s infrastructure.

The fire was brought under control by firefighters after several hours. A committee has been set up to investigate the cause of the fire and to recommend measures to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.

The PGI Chandigarh fire incident is a reminder of the importance of fire safety in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Hospitals are particularly vulnerable to fires because they often contain a large number of flammable materials, such as oxygen tanks, medical equipment, and patient bedding.

In order to prevent fires in hospitals, it is important to have a comprehensive fire safety plan in place. This plan should include measures such as regular fire drills, fire alarm testing, and the installation of fire suppression systems. It is also important to ensure that all staff are properly trained in fire safety procedures.