Kolkata, 6 August (H.S.) – Panic broke out at the Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on Wednesday afternoon after a fire erupted near the Green Building on the College Street campus. The blaze started around 1 p.m. at a garbage dump adjacent to the building.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by a discarded, still-burning cigarette butt. Firefighters rushed to the scene and brought the flames under control within about 30 minutes using two fire tenders.

According to hospital authorities, no casualties were reported in the incident. However, the sudden outbreak of fire triggered panic among patients and their families, many of whom feared for their safety. Police personnel reached the spot immediately, and preparations were made to evacuate patients in case of an emergency.

The fire was brought under control before it could spread, averting a major crisis. Authorities said a joint team from the Fire Department and the police will investigate the exact cause of the blaze.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh