Minor fire breaks out in Davanagere govt hospital operation theatre, no one injured

Davanagere (Karnataka),

A minor fire broke out in the operation theatre of the Chigateri District Government Hospital in Davanagere on Tuesday, police said. The incident occurred at around 8.30 am. No injuries were reported. Fire and Emergency Services personnel rushed to the spot and quickly brought the blaze under control, police said. According to police, hospital staff were preparing for a surgery inside the operation theatre when a spark caused smoke, triggering a minor fire. As a precaution, patients and their attendants on the floor were safely evacuated, a senior police officer said.

The exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, including whether it was linked to any equipment in the operation theatre, police said. Following the incident, the Minister for Health and Family Welfare UT Khader took the matter seriously and discussed it with senior state-level officials to ascertain the exact cause.

The minister directed the constitution of a high-level state investigation team to conduct a comprehensive inquiry. "In addition, a separate inquiry will be conducted at the local level under the leadership of the deputy commissioner. After both inquiry reports are submitted, the department will examine the findings and take appropriate action in accordance with the rules," the health department said in a statement.