A devastating fire at a private hospital in Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, has claimed the lives of seven patients, including two women and a child. Over 30 others were injured in the blaze that tore through the four-story building on Thursday morning.

Local authorities believe the fire originated from a suspected short circuit on the ground floor, which quickly spread upward, engulfing the entire structure. The victims, found unconscious in an elevator, succumbed to severe smoke inhalation before rescue teams could reach them.

As thick black smoke poured out of the hospital, witnesses described scenes of chaos and panic. “It was like a nightmare. People were screaming for help, and the smoke was suffocating,” said Ramesh Kumar, a bystander who lives nearby.

Firefighters battled the inferno for over an hour, eventually gaining control of the flames. Despite their efforts, the dense smoke made rescue operations exceedingly difficult.

Emergency services acted swiftly, with nearly 50 ambulances rushing to the site to transport injured patients to a government hospital. “We are doing everything in our power to ensure the injured receive immediate care,” said Dr. S. Murugan, the chief medical officer at Dindigul Government Hospital.

Rescue teams are still searching the building to ensure no one remains trapped. Officials have yet to confirm if all patients and staff have been accounted for.

This incident raises pressing questions about safety protocols in private healthcare facilities across India. Recent audits revealed that many smaller hospitals lack adequate fire safety measures. “Incidents like these highlight the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety standards,” said Vijay Shankar, a fire safety expert.

Tamil Nadu’s Health Minister, M. Subramanian, has called for an immediate investigation into the incident. “We will ensure accountability. Those responsible for any lapses will face strict action,” he said in a press statement.

The tragedy has left the local community in mourning. Hundreds gathered outside the hospital, anxiously waiting for updates. “We just want to know if our loved ones are safe,” said Saraswati Devi, whose brother was admitted to the hospital earlier this week.

As the investigation unfolds, families of the victims are demanding answers—and justice.