Gangwar announces compensation to victims of Mumbai hospital fire

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Union Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment Santosh Kumar Gangwar announced compensation of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the fire accident at ESIC hospital in Mumbai. Rs 2 lakh each was announced for those who have serious injuries and Rs 1 lakh each for those with minor injuries.

The cause of fire is being ascertained. As per preliminary report, the building material lying on the ground floor of hospital for renovation work caught fire which led to generation of smoke. Eight persons are reported to have died due to suffocation in this tragic accident. Around 158 persons were injured in the fire of which 57 are now discharged from the hospital. The admitted patients and their attendants were rescued and shifted to nearby hospitals with the help of firefighters, doctors & staff of hospital. Deputy Medical Superintendent, Dr Reshma Verma was also taken to nearby hospital as she fainted due to suffocation while rescuing the admitted patients. The detailed report is awaited.

Labour Minister held a meeting with officials of Labour Ministry and ESIC in Delhi and directed to extend all possible help to the kin of deceased and injured persons. A team of doctors from ESIC Delhi has also been rushed to Mumbai for this purpose.

Gangwar along with Secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, and Director General, ESIC, will be visiting the hospital on December 18, 2018, evening to oversee the relief work and to meet the injured persons and kin of deceased, according to a PIB release.