A major fire incident occurred at Lokbandhu Hospital in Lucknow on the evening of Monday, April 14, 2025, triggering immediate emergency action as authorities rushed to evacuate patients and control the situation. Fortunately, no injuries or casualties have been reported, and all patients have been safely evacuated, according to officials.

The fire is reported to have originated on the second floor of the hospital premises. The exact cause is still under investigation, although initial findings indicate it could have been triggered by an electrical short circuit or equipment malfunction. The fire brigade responded swiftly, containing the flames and preventing the fire from spreading to other parts of the hospital.

Police Commissioner Amarendra Singh Sengar, in a statement to the media, confirmed that emergency services were alerted promptly. “We received information of a fire at Lokbandhu Hospital. The fire brigade reached the spot quickly. All patients have been evacuated and shifted to nearby hospitals. There is no report of any injury or loss of life,” he said.

The situation turned tense as thick smoke engulfed the entire hospital, particularly affecting the upper floors. Hospital staff, along with rescue teams, acted swiftly in evacuating patients, many of whom were on oxygen support or undergoing critical treatments. Critical patients were immediately transferred to other hospitals to ensure continuity of care.

Several senior officials, including Deputy Commissioners of Police from the South and East zones, arrived at the location to oversee the operation and maintain order. The rescue and evacuation process was carried out efficiently, avoiding panic and ensuring the safety of both patients and healthcare workers.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, upon learning about the incident, took immediate stock of the situation via telephone conversations with senior officials. He instructed the administration to prioritize patient safety and ensure proper treatment for those shifted to alternate medical facilities. The Chief Minister also sought a detailed report on the incident and emphasized strict accountability if negligence is found.

As per official statements, there has been no significant damage to property, although the affected floor sustained smoke-related issues. Authorities have sealed off the second floor for further inspection and safety assessments.

The Uttar Pradesh Fire Department has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the cause of the blaze. The incident has also brought renewed focus on hospital safety protocols, especially the readiness of medical institutions to handle emergency situations involving fire or electrical faults.

Local authorities, including the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, are expected to inspect fire safety equipment and emergency preparedness in other major hospitals across the city. This is part of a wider effort to ensure such incidents do not occur in the future and to reinforce patient safety standards in public healthcare institutions.

Eyewitnesses, including relatives of patients, have praised the hospital staff and emergency responders for their quick action. "The smoke was suffocating, and we were panicked at first. But the staff guided everyone calmly, and the fire brigade arrived quickly," said Anjali Sharma, a relative of a patient who was admitted on the third floor.

Hospital officials have expressed gratitude for the coordinated response by the fire department, police, and local administration, stating that the evacuation plan and regular fire drills helped minimize panic and facilitate a smooth operation.

In the aftermath of the incident, non-critical services at Lokbandhu Hospital have been temporarily suspended, and an emergency helpline has been activated for relatives to enquire about the condition and location of patients.

This incident once again raises the question of emergency preparedness in Indian hospitals, particularly in older government institutions where electrical infrastructure may be outdated. The health ministry of Uttar Pradesh is expected to launch an audit of hospital infrastructure in coming weeks to assess compliance with safety norms.

While no lives were lost, the incident serves as a wake-up call for hospital administrations across India to take fire safety and contingency planning seriously. Hospitals must ensure regular checks of fire extinguishers, sprinkler systems, and evacuation plans to safeguard vulnerable patients in times of crisis.

As per the latest update, firefighters have successfully doused the flames, and a cooling operation is underway to prevent any flare-up. The hospital management has assured that services will resume in phases once the affected area is deemed safe and operational.

In conclusion, while Lokbandhu Hospital’s fire incident ended without casualties, it highlights the critical need for rigorous safety standards in medical institutions. The swift evacuation and prompt emergency response prevented what could have been a tragic event. A detailed inquiry will now determine accountability, and necessary corrective measures will be expected in due course.

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