Fire Breaks Out at Lahore General Hospital’s Gynaecology Ward, 70 Evacuated

LAHORE, September 1: A fire broke out at the gynaecology ward of Lahore General Hospital on Tuesday morning, filling the ward and adjoining areas with smoke and prompting the evacuation of around 70 people, including pregnant women.

Hospital staff and emergency response teams moved quickly to evacuate patients, attendants and other people from the affected area and shift them to safer locations. Rescue teams also reached the hospital after receiving the emergency call and launched firefighting operations.

The fire was brought under control before it could spread to other parts of the hospital, according to officials. No major casualties were reported.

Initial reports suggested that the fire started in the ward’s exhaust system, while some reports attributed the incident to a possible short circuit in electrical wiring installed in the ceiling. Authorities are investigating the incident, and the exact cause of the fire has yet to be established.

A security guard was reportedly affected by smoke inhalation and was provided medical treatment. Hospital officials said his condition was stable and out of danger.

Dr Faryad Hussain, Medical Superintendent of Lahore General Hospital, said the training provided to hospital staff in fire safety and emergency response helped them respond promptly to the incident.

According to the medical superintendent, trained staff immediately used fire extinguishers to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading, reducing the need for external firefighting assistance.

The incident caused concern among patients and their families, but hospital authorities said the situation was brought under control and necessary measures were taken to ensure the safety of patients, attendants and staff.

Relevant authorities are reviewing the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the possible source of the fire and the hospital’s fire-safety arrangements, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The incident comes only days after a fatal fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) in Islamabad on August 26, in which several newborn babies were reportedly killed.