Fire near ESI Hospital creates panic

KOCHI: Panic struck when a fire broke out near the premises of ESI Hospital on Monday.  According to Fire and Rescue Services personnel, waste dumped near the hospital had caught fire.“We rushed to the scene when the hospital authorities informed us that smoke was emanating from a heap of waste. It was causing difficulties for patients. The waste included plastic and other non-degradable material,” said Manoharan, leading fireman of the Club Road Fire Station.Fire and Rescue Services officials said such incidents have become common in summer.  “The area is covered with waste and it is highly prone to fire,” they said. The officials added that the reason for the cause of fire was not known. T K Ashraff, Health Standing Committee Chairman, Kochi Corporation, said he would look into the matter.