Mumbai: Five killed; several feared trapped in major hospital fire
A major fire has broken out at the government-run Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital in Mumbai, and at least five people have been killed in the blaze. Reportedly, around 108 people have been rescued from the hospital so far, and many more are feared trapped. Here's what we know about it.
WATCH: Thick smoke emerges from the ESIC Hospital
The fire broke out at 4pm on Monday
As per reports, the fire broke out at 4pm at the ESIC Hospital, which is located at the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) premises in Andheri East. The fire, which initially broke-out on the fourth floor of the five-storey buildings has spread, and has been categorized as a level 4 fire. Currently, 10 fire engines are engaged in dousing the flames, and in rescue operations.
Many jumped off the upper floors to save themselves
Meanwhile, at least 15 people have been reported injured - some among them sustained injuries after they jumped out of the hospital windows in the upper floors to escape the blaze. Reportedly, two babies have also been rescued from the neonatal ICU, and currently, patients who were evacuated in critical condition are being rushed to nearby hospitals.
Many of the injured are having difficulties breathing
"Close to 30 have been brought to Cooper hospital. Of them, two have been declared dead. The injured are also finding it difficult to breathe," Dr R Sukhadev, MS at RN Cooper Hospital, told IE.
