Officials said the victims were critically ill patients who had been admitted to the hospital’s trauma care unit.

Emergency teams rushed to the scene after the fire started, but several patients could not be rescued in time. Authorities said an investigation has been launched to determine how the fire began and why it spread so quickly inside the hospital building.

Hospital fires are not uncommon in India, where safety rules are often ignored, and firefighting systems are sometimes poorly maintained. Experts say many buildings lack proper fire safety equipment or emergency response plans.

Initial reports suggest that an electrical short circuit may have caused the blaze. Poorly maintained wiring is one of the leading causes of fire incidents across the country.

Following the tragedy, officials announced compensation for the families of the victims.

Authorities said each affected family would receive financial assistance of about $2,160.

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The incident has once again raised serious questions about fire safety standards in hospitals and other public buildings. Similar tragedies have occurred in recent years across different parts of India.

In 2024, a fire at a private hospital in the southern state of Tamil Nadu killed at least six people and injured more than two dozen others. In the same year, another devastating fire killed 10 newborn babies at a hospital in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh.

These repeated incidents have led to growing concerns about whether hospitals are properly prepared to handle emergencies.

Safety experts say stricter enforcement of fire regulations and regular building inspections are urgently needed. They warn that without better safety measures, such tragic incidents could continue to occur.