October 18, 2024: A devastating fire erupted this morning at the ESI Hospital in central Kolkata, resulting in the tragic death of a patient in the intensive care unit (ICU). The blaze, which broke out in one of the hospital's wards, prompted a swift response from emergency services, with at least 10 fire engines deployed to the Sealdah area to combat the flames.

Emergency services reported that approximately 80 patients were safely evacuated from the hospital, with no additional injuries reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have yet to determine the circumstances surrounding the patient's death.

Witnesses at the scene described a chaotic atmosphere, with patients and their caregivers fleeing the smoke-filled ward. “There was smoke in the ward and the patients were yelling ‘bachao' (save us) from the window,” said District Fire Officer TK Dutta, who labeled the incident as “terrifying.” He praised the rapid response of the fire brigade, stating, “Within 20 minutes, we successfully rescued them all.”

West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose visited the hospital to assess the situation firsthand. Visuals from the scene showed several evacuated patients sitting outside the hospital, awaiting further treatment as they were relocated to other medical facilities.