Pune: Minor Fire At Sassoon Hospital Prompts Evacuation Of 70 Patients
Pune: Over 800 Sassoon Hospital Nurses To Join Statewide Protest Against Transfer Policy
Pune, March 10, 2026: A minor fire broke out early Monday morning in the male general ward of Sassoon General Hospital, leading to the precautionary evacuation of around 70 patients. Officials confirmed that no injuries were reported.
According to hospital authorities, the fire started at around 4:45 am in the nurses’ room on the ground floor of a three-storey building. The blaze reportedly began in a loft area above the room that was used to store ward supplies such as books, registers, medicines and a wheelchair.
The fire brigade received an emergency call at about 5:01 am and immediately dispatched three fire vehicles, including fire tenders and water tankers, to the hospital considering the potential risk.
Before firefighters arrived, hospital security personnel and staff attempted to control the flames using fire extinguishers. By the time the fire brigade reached the scene, smoke had already spread through parts of the ward.
Fire officer Vijay Bhilare said the hospital’s fire safety systems and the prompt action by staff played a key role in preventing the blaze from spreading further. He noted that nurses and other employees had already begun tackling the fire with extinguishers, which helped contain the situation.
To clear the smoke from the ward, ventilation systems and exhaust blowers were used to improve air circulation. All patients admitted to the ward at the time were safely evacuated and moved out of the building.
Firefighters then deployed hose lines and used jet and spray water to fully extinguish the flames.
Officials described the incident as minor and said it was handled quickly due to the preparedness of hospital staff, who regularly undergo fire safety training and drills. Preliminary findings suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, though the exact cause will be determined after a detailed investigation. Normal hospital operations continued after the situation was brought under control.
