A woman in Kolkata has spoken publicly about the final telephone conversation she had with her daughter before the young woman died in a fire that broke out at a hospital in Lucknow on Monday. The tragic incident has drawn attention to fire safety standards at medical facilities across India.
Mother Describes Final Moments
The Kolkata woman told reporters she received a phone call from her daughter on Monday evening as chaos unfolded inside the hospital. "She was scared," the mother recalled, speaking from her home in Kolkata. "She told me there was smoke everywhere and she could not find her way out."
The daughter, who worked at the hospital, had called her mother during the emergency. According to the mother's account, the two spoke for less than two minutes before the line went dead. She learned of her daughter's death several hours later when hospital officials contacted her family.
Fire Erupts at Lucknow Hospital
The blaze occurred at a private hospital in the capital city of Uttar Pradesh on Monday evening. Fire department officials in Lucknow confirmed they received the emergency call at approximately 7:40 pm and deployed multiple fire tenders to the scene. Rescue operations continued into the late hours of the night.
Authorities have stated that preliminary investigations suggest an electrical short circuit may have triggered the fire. The exact cause remains under investigation by local officials. Hospital records indicate the facility had undergone a fire safety inspection eight months ago, though officials have not confirmed whether all recommended upgrades were completed.
Community Responds to Tragedy
The news of the daughter's death spread quickly through the Kolkata community where the family is well known. Neighbours gathered at the mother's residence throughout Tuesday to offer condolences and support. The woman's husband died three years ago, leaving her as the sole surviving parent.
Local community leaders in Kolkata have announced plans to hold a memorial gathering this weekend to honour the memory of those who perished in the Lucknow fire. The family has requested privacy as they make arrangements to bring their daughter's remains back to Kolkata for cremation.
Fire Safety Concerns at Indian Hospitals
The incident has reignited debates about fire safety compliance at hospitals throughout India. Data from the National Disaster Response Force indicates that electrical failures account for nearly 40 percent of all fire-related deaths in commercial and institutional buildings across the country. Hospitals, which house vulnerable patients and store flammable materials, present particular challenges for emergency evacuation.
Safety advocates argue that many private hospitals, particularly those operating in older buildings, have not invested adequately in modern fire suppression systems. The Lucknow hospital where the fire occurred was established in 1998 and had expanded twice since its founding.
Investigation Underway
Police in Lucknow have registered a case and begun questioning hospital staff and management. Officials from the district administration's fire safety department are examining the premises. A senior district official told reporters that a full report is expected within 15 days.
The hospital has issued a statement expressing grief over the incident and stating full cooperation with investigators. Hospital administrators declined to comment further pending the conclusion of the official inquiry.
Family Prepares for Final Journey
The Kolkata mother, still reeling from the loss, has begun the difficult process of arranging to bring her daughter home. Family members have contacted local authorities to expedite the paperwork required for transporting mortal remains across state lines. The journey from Lucknow to Kolkata spans approximately 1,000 kilometres.
Friends of the family have established a support network to assist the mother during this period. "She should not have to deal with any of this alone," said a close family friend who requested anonymity. "We are here for whatever she needs."
What Happens Next
The Lucknow police investigation is expected to produce initial findings within the next two weeks. Separately, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a mandatory fire safety audit of all private hospitals with more than 50 beds. Officials have given hospital administrations 30 days to comply with updated safety requirements or face closure orders.
For the mother in Kolkata, such announcements offer little comfort. She continues to replay the brief conversation she had with her daughter, holding onto the sound of her voice. The family expects to hold the cremation ceremony in Kolkata by the end of the week once the formalities are completed.
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Hospitals, which house vulnerable patients and store flammable materials, present particular challenges for emergency evacuation.Safety advocates argue that many private hospitals, particularly those operating in older buildings, have not invested adequately in modern fire suppression systems. The Lucknow hospital where the fire occurred was established in 1998 and had expanded twice since its founding.Investigation UnderwayPolice in Lucknow have registered a case and begun questioning hospital staff and management.
