Tension prevailed for a while at Bilva Hospital in Vyalikaval on Saturday after fire broke out in the second floor of the hospital building.

Six patients and nine hospital staff were safely evacuated from the second floor. Preliminary investigation indicated electric-short circuit caused the accident, said the Vyalikaval police.The incident occurred around 5.45 am in the laboratory of the hospital at Palace Guttahalli. Thick smoke followed by flames engulfed the second floor completely and it spread to the third floor.

Four fire tenders with over 30 firemen and the Vyalikaval police began the operation to douse the fire around 6 am. They had difficulty in shifting three patients through the door. They broke open window panes to evacuate them. The fire was completely doused by 8 am. Furniture and equipment used for medical tests were destroyed.

Hospital authorities said the six patients were being treated for minor ailments. Dhananjaya, a head constable, collapsed due to suffocation caused by the smoke. He was taken to a nearby hospital and discharged by afternoon. 

DCP (Central) Chandragupta said the police and fire personnel were conducting an inspection to ascertain the cause of the fire. Forensic science laboratory experts have collected samples for tests, he said.

Flames shock residents

In another incident, residents of Bandepalya on Hosur main road gathered near Bandepalya junction after noticing flames from below the ground around 2 pm.

A fire tender was rushed to the spot. Police said there were leaks from the gas pipes that were laid on Thursday and the gas may have caught fire due to the scorching sun.

The fire was put out by 2.20 pm, they said.