60 killed in Calcutta hospital fire

At least 60 people killed in hospital fire in Indian city of Calcutta but more are expected to be found as rescuers try to reach upper floors of the six-storey building.

9 December 2011, 12:00am

1 min read

Rescuers retrieve victims from the burning hospital and more are expected to be found.

A fire broke out in a hospital in Calcutta killing at least 60 people and the death toll is expected to increase according to officials.

The fire spread through the AMRI hospital and victims were mostly patients who were trapped by flames. It is believed that victims were trapped in the upper floors of the six-storey hospital and rescuers are still trying to reach them.

There were 160 patients in the 190-bed hospital and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee condemned anyone responsible for the crime.

A number of patients were rescued before the building was consumed by the fire and 50 patients were taken to a nearby hospital.

Officials said that the fire started this morning where flammable material was stored in the hospital’s basement.

It took five hours for fire engines to control the fire which was said to be the deadliest in Calcutta in recent years.