LAHORE: A major fire broke out in the gynaecology ward of Lahore General Hospital on Tuesday morning, forcing the evacuation of around 70 people.
The evacuated group included pregnant women, patients and attendants who were inside the affected building when smoke began spreading.
According to sources, an electrical short-circuit in ceiling wiring caused the fire.
Thick smoke quickly filled the gynaecology ward, creating panic among patients, attendants and hospital staff.
However, hospital staff and emergency teams acted quickly and moved people out of the affected area.
Fire Brought Under Control
Rescue teams brought the blaze under control shortly after it started, preventing further damage inside the hospital.
No major injuries were reported following the incident.
However, a security guard suffered breathing difficulties after inhaling smoke during the fire.
Hospital staff shifted the guard to the emergency department for immediate medical treatment.
Later, hospital authorities confirmed that his condition was stable and out of danger.
Officials also took precautionary measures to protect patients and staff following the incident.
Incident Raises Hospital Safety Concerns
The Lahore hospital fire comes days after another deadly blaze at a major public hospital in Islamabad.
On August 26, a fire at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences nursery killed 14 infants.
The blaze erupted around 7 a.m. on the third floor of the hospital’s mother and child health ward.
The latest incident has again highlighted concerns about electrical safety and fire preparedness at hospitals.
Authorities are expected to assess the cause of the Lahore fire and review safety arrangements at the facility.
