Bengaluru hospital turns into midnight gas chamber: How staff saved 100+ lives and averted mass casualty as fire spread rapidly

In the early hours of Tuesday, thick smoke caused panic at the Mahabodhi Burns Centre in Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru. Though no flames were seen at first, the lights went out, and smoke slowly filled the building, forcing an urgent evacuation.

Smoke, not flames, was the real danger

"The main worry wasn’t the fire, but the smoke. Burns patients are already at high risk of breathing problems, so we had to act fast," said Dr Ramesh Krishna, director of BMCRI, which manages Victoria Hospital.

According to Dr Yogeshwarappa Patil, head of plastic and reconstructive surgery, over 100 people were inside when the fire broke out. This included patients, their family members, and visitors. Among them were 26 admitted patients, including ICU cases and children, many still being treated for open wounds.

Fire spotted by doctor, prompt action follows

Dr Divya GS, the doctor who first noticed the fire, said, "We tried using fire extinguishers, but the fire spread quickly because the room had wooden panels and furniture." As soon as a 'code red' was called, staff from various departments rushed in to help with the evacuation.

"Our top priority was the patients," said Dr Patil. "Some were taken on oxygen trolleys, others in wheelchairs or buggies. Family members who could walk also helped." ICU patients were moved with great care, and luckily, none were on ventilators.

Patients moved, but fear lingers

The patients were safely shifted to a nearby 'mass casualty' ward. For those who come regularly for dressing or have minor burns, special arrangements are being made.

"These patients are already going through a lot. The fire has made things even harder. Around 40 former patients come for dressing, and we see three to four new minor burns cases each day. We are now ensuring everyone gets proper care," said Dr Smitha Segu, head of the Burns Centre.

Inputs from TOI