Cafeteria operator faces action for negligence in fire incidence at IGMC Shimla’s new OPD building
Shimla, April 27
Chief Parliamentary Secretary (Health, Public Works, and Information and Public Relations), Sanjay Awasthi, rushed to the Indira Gandhi Medical College and Hospital (IGMC) in Shimla immediately after a fire broke out in the cafeteria of the new OPD building on Thursday.
Expressing his condolences, Awasthi stated that it was unfortunate that such an incident occurred in a building that was recently dedicated to the people. The estimated loss of property is around 50 to 60 lakhs, but thankfully, there was no loss of life. The fire gutted the cafeteria and the lift, he informed.
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Awasthi directed the hospital administration to take strict action against the cafeteria operator for negligence. He also instructed the Medical Superintendent (MS) to submit a report to the government after completing the investigation within the prescribed time.
While talking to media he stated that the incident occurred in the cafeteria operating on the top floor of the new OPD building at around 8:30 am due to a gas cylinder leak. As the cylinder caught fire, there was a sound of an explosion, which caused the entire cafeteria to be set ablaze.
Adding, that as soon as the hospital administration received the information, they immediately contacted the fire department and evacuated the new OPD building safely, evacuating the patients who had come for checkups.
The Fire Department personnel promptly reached IGMC and controlled the fire, preventing a major accident in the new OPD building. Awasthi commended their work in preventing the incident of arson.
To ensure that patients did not face any problems, all the OPDs of the new building have been shifted to the old building. Within two to three days, this OPD will be shifted again to the new building. An FIR has been registered in this regard, stated the CPS.
