New-borns shifted to other hospitals as fire erupts at FMH

LAHORE - A wave of panic created among the patients and staff when scores of people including a dozen new-born babies got trapped and later were rescued after fire broke out at the cafeteria of the Fatima Memorial Hospital (FMH) early Tuesday morning, witnesses and rescuers said.

The cafeteria, waiting room, nursery, labour room and emergency wards, all situated on first floor of the hospital, were affected by the erupted fire which was controlled by the Rescue 1122 fire-fighters after 20 minutes battle.

Moreover, no loss of life or injury was reported in the incident.

The Rescue 1122 officials said the fire erupted owing to short-circuiting at around 3:44 am. However, a press release issued by the hospital states that the incident was accidental and internal investigations were underway to know the exact cause of fire.

Dense smoke spread in the entire hospital soon after the fire and at least 40 people including patients, their attendants and para-medics got trapped, said one of the Rescue 1122 official.