Authorities in India have revoked a Kolkata hospital’s license and arrested six employees of the facility after a fire killed at least 3 staff members and 86 patients. West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services minister Javed Ahmed Khan said the arrested are accused of negligence for allegedly abandoning bed-ridden patients after the blaze began in the basement of the 5-story Advanced Medical Research Institute around 4 a.m.
It is still unclear exactly what caused the fire, but investigators did find several safety violations. The severity of the situation was compounded by the fact that hospital officials did not call the fire department immediately, and then fire trucks did not arrive quickly. Witnesses say bystanders offered to help clear the building, but security officers turned them away saying the situation was under control. Fire department officials say it took over 12 hours to fight the flames.
Police say all of the victims died of smoke inhalation. At least 60 other people were injured.
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