Fire erupts at Durgapur Medical College Doctors' Quarters

Durgapur: Panic swept through the residential quarters of a private medical college hospital in Shovapur, Durgapur, on Thursday afternoon after a fire broke out in one of the apartments, triggering chaos and exposing serious lapses in the complex’s fire safety preparedness. According to sources, the fire extinguishers installed in the building were all expired and poorly maintained, with no refills or inspections carried out for years. This left residents ill-equipped to handle the fire when it broke out, allowing the flames to spread unchecked until the local fire department arrived. However, no injuries were reported in the incident. The fire reportedly began around noon in the flat of Dr. Anuran Bhaduri, who was on duty at the hospital when he received news of the blaze. Also Read: Fire at Jhansi Medical College Gynaecology ward triggers panic "I was informed at the hospital that my flat was on fire. By the time I rushed back, everything had been reduced to ashes. Valuable documents, furniture—nothing could be saved. I suspect the fire was caused by a short circuit," Dr Bhaduri said, reports India Today. Residents described a sudden explosion followed by thick smoke that quickly engulfed the entire floor. Two fire engines from the Durgapur Fire Brigade responded swiftly, and firefighters brought the blaze under control after approximately 25 minutes. However, even they faced challenges due to the absence of a reliable water source near the building. Also Read: Fire breaks out at MKCG Medical College Hospital's Biochemistry Lab Speaking to the Indian Express, Sub-Officer Purnendu Bhowmik of the Durgapur Fire Department said, "It took sustained efforts to control the blaze. Thankfully, there are no reports of injuries. If the extinguishers have indeed expired, an investigation will be carried out, and necessary action will be taken". Residents have accused the medical college authorities of gross negligence, highlighting the absence of regular fire safety inspections and proper maintenance protocols. The incident raises urgent questions about the safety standards in residential quarters associated with healthcare institutions.