Kolkata AMRI Hospital Fire: Death Toll Rises to 73
posted on Dec 9, 2011 5:11PM
As per the latest reports, at least 73 people, most of them patients, have died in the massive fire accident took place in AMRI Hospital in Kolkata this morning. There were 160 people inside the hospital when the fire began.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said this morning's tragedy was "an unforgivable crime" and vowed "the harshest punishment possible" for those found responsible. The license of the hospital has been cancelled. A First Information Report or FIR has also been filed, which launches a criminal case. The owners of the hospital, RS Goenka and SK Todi, have surrendered before the police. Two sons of Mr Todi, who are also on the hospital board, too have surrendered.
Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh expressed shock and anguish over the loss of lives in the tragedy. He announced a compensation of Rs. 2 Lakh to families of deceased and Rs. 50,000 for those seriously injured. Dead bodies are being moved to the SSKM Hospital; families have been asked to identify their relatives before post-mortems are conducted.