Short circuit triggers fire at Balasore District Headquarters Hospital, store room gutted

A fire erupted early Saturday morning at the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital, damaging a housekeeping storeroom before firefighters quickly brought the situation under control. Authorities suspect an electrical short circuit as the likely cause.

Smoke Alerted Locals and Hospital Staff

The blaze is believed to have started in the early hours, when nearby shopkeepers and local residents noticed smoke rising from the medical housekeeping section. They alerted hospital authorities, prompting an immediate response from the fire brigade.

Fire personnel were able to extinguish the flames and prevent the fire from spreading to other areas of the hospital campus. No injuries have been reported.

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Officials said the affected room was used to store sanitation and cleaning materials, many of which are inflammable, contributing to the intensity of the fire.

Probe Underway Into Cause of Fire

Preliminary findings indicate an electrical short circuit may have triggered the incident. A significant amount of stored items was destroyed, though a full assessment of losses is still underway. An employee who reportedly resides in the storeroom was not present at the time of the incident, averting potential injury.

Hospital authorities and fire officials have initiated a detailed investigation to determine the exact cause and examine whether safety measures were properly followed.

Despite the incident, hospital operations continued without disruption, with officials assuring that no further threat remains.