40 patients rescued from blaze in Vehari hospital

A fire broke out in the emergency building of District Headquarters Hospital (DHQ) Vehari early yesterday morning, reportedly due to a short circuit in an air conditioning unit.

The blaze rapidly spread, engulfing the entire building and causing significant damage to beds and equipment.

The incident occurred around 3:30 or 4:00am in the labour and dressing rooms.

Dozens of patients in the Emergency Block were affected by the fire.

Upon receiving the news, DC Syed Asif Hussain Shah, DPO Mansoor Aman, MS Dr Ahmed Faraz, along with Rescue 1122 and police teams, rushed to the scene.

The rescue teams managed to evacuate over 40 patients from the emergency ward, labour room, and dressing room, transferring them to other wards where their treatment is ongoing.

DC Asif Shah informed the media that the fire, caused by a short circuit, was successfully brought under control.

He praised the efforts of the administration, police, and rescue teams, stating that there were no casualties. Despite the emergency equipment being destroyed, the patients are now safe and receiving treatment in other wards.

Fire incidents at hospitals are not uncommon in Punjab. In Sahiwal this week, 13 children had died in a fire in a ward.

The fire, sparked by a short circuit caused by faulty wiring, led to severe injuries among several children due to smoke inhalation and oxygen deprivation.

At the time of the incident, the ward housed 75 children undergoing treatment.

Initial investigations reveal that the fire originated from an old air conditioner unit, triggering panic and chaos among the young patients. More than 10 children suffered due to a shortage of oxygen supply during the chaotic evacuation process.

However, the grieving families of the victims are demanding transparent investigations and swift action against those responsible from the CM.