A fire broke out in the gynaecology ward of Lahore General Hospital on Tuesday, triggering an emergency response and the evacuation of more than 70 people, including pregnant women. Patients, attendants and hospital staff in the affected area were moved to safety as rescue teams responded to the incident.
Initial reports from the hospital administration said the fire was caused by a short circuit in electrical wiring installed in the ceiling. Another account attributed the blaze to the ward’s exhaust system, so the exact source of the fire remains subject to clarification. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze before it could spread to other parts of the hospital.
More than 70 people were safely evacuated during the operation, and no deaths or major injuries were reported. A security guard reportedly became unwell during the evacuation and was taken to the hospital’s emergency department for treatment. Hospital officials later said he was out of danger.
The incident comes just days after a devastating fire at Islamabad’s Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where 14 newborn babies were killed. The two incidents have again raised concerns about fire safety and emergency preparedness in hospitals, particularly in wards caring for vulnerable patients.
The latest incident is also likely to put a spotlight on safety checks at hospitals. Authorities may now face renewed calls to inspect electrical wiring, fire alarms, emergency exits and other safety arrangements in hospitals to ensure that potential hazards are identified before they turn into life-threatening emergencies.
Sources: Aaj News, The Nation