Fire at under-construction building in PGI

A minor fire broke out on the ground floor of an under-construction building of the Advanced Mother & Child Care Centre (AMCCC) at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) around 3.55 pm today.

The blaze was quickly contained by PGI’s Fire Department, with the Chandigarh Administration’s firefighters on standby. No significant damage has been reported. The AMCC building did not suffer any major structural impact. An investigation into the cause of the fire is under way.

The incident is the latest in a series of fire-related occurrences at the PGI over the past two years, raising concerns about safety protocols at the premier medical institution.

In March 2024, a fire broke out in the operation theatre of the Advanced Cardiac Centre when a surgery was in progress, necessitating emergency relocation of a patient. The incident was attributed to short-circuit, with investigations later pointing out inadequate segregation of electrical and oxygen lines.

Shortly after that another fire had erupted on the fifth floor of the Advanced Trauma Centre, reportedly due to an electric spark.

In June 2024, a fire occurred in room number 401 of the Kairon Block hostel, originating from a burning mattress. Preliminary findings suggested an unattended electrical equipment as the likely cause.

Despite repeated advisories from the Municipal Corporation’s Fire Department, the PGI has faced criticism for its slow implementation of comprehensive fire safety measures.

A thorough probe will determine the exact cause of the fire and necessary corrective actions are likely follow to prevent similar occurrences in future.