At least six people, including a minor boy, lost their lives, while over 20 people were injured, in a massive fire at a private hospital in Tamil Nadu’s Dindigul district late Thursday (December 12). According to the police and Fire Department, all six victims were found unconscious inside the building’s lift and were rushed to another hospital, where they were declared dead.
Officials confirmed that the victims had suffocated inside the lift as the fire engulfed the premises. Rescue operations by the Fire Department led to the evacuation of at least 30 patients and doctors from the hospital.
The evacuated individuals were admitted to the district government hospital for treatment, authorities said.
Preliminary investigations suggest that an electrical short circuit may have triggered the blaze. Visuals from the site showed multiple fire tenders battling the flames as thick smoke billowed from the building.
(With inputs from PTI)