ESIC Hospital Fire: Death toll rises to 9, CM orders probe
The centre has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the fire
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday ordered an investigation into the fire incident at Andheri’s ESIC Hospital in which nine people were charred to death. He also promised all possible assistance to the injured.
The death toll in the blaze rose to nine today morning, with one more person succumbing to his injuries overnight.
Around 158 persons were injured in the fire out of which 57 have been discharged from the hospital so far. Meanwhile, close to two dozen patients are still in a critical condition.
As per the preliminary report, the building material lying at the ground floor of the hospital for renovation work caught fire on Monday afternoon, likely due to a short circuit, which led to the generation of smoke.
The glass facade made it difficult for the smoke to escape, causing it to spread throughout the building. Most casualties, police said, were due to suffocation.
Union Health Minister J P Nadda also spoke to Chief Minister Fadnavis and urged him to take requisite measures to help out the needy. Fadnavis has also expressed grief over the loss of lives and prayed for speedy recovery of those who sustained injuries.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar has announced a compensation of Rs 10 lakh each for the families of those who lost their lives in the fire, Rs 2 lakh for those critically injured and Rs 1 lakh for the injured.
According to M.V Ogale, deputy chief fire officer of MIDC, there were discrepencies in the hospital’s fire safety system.
Also, renovation work had been underway since 2009 and the institution only had a provisional NOC from the fire department, not a final one.
A section of the hospital’s staff also staged a protest outside its premises today, alleging inadequate facilities.
