Fire in CMCH ward triggers panic, no injuries reported

Coimbatore: A minor fire broke out near the influenza-like illness ward at the Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) around 11.40am on Wednesday, spreading panic among a few patients and their attenders, who ran out of their wards. CMCH authorities said no one was injured in the incident.
The fire, which is suspected to have occurred due to short circuit, soon spread to the garbage outside the ward. However, CMCH staff managed to put out the fire in a few minutes themselves with fire extinguishers. The fire and rescue service personnel, meanwhile, brought the smoke under control and prevented it from enveloping the neighbourhood.
CMCH resident medical officer Dr Ponmudi Sivan said, “Since the fire occurred in a small passage between the influenza-like illness ward and the old intensive care unit, patients were not affected.”
A fire officer said they managed to bring the smoke under control in 15 minutes. “The reason for the fire is being investigated.”
Fire services personnel and the hospital authorities suspect that the fire might have been triggered by high voltage. “The cables were in contact with some dry garbage bags. When high voltage passed through the cable, it could have led to a spark, which caused fire.”