‘A frightening scene inside’: Eyewitnesses recount horror

Lucknow: Several patients and bystanders described the scene inside Lokbandhu Hospital as chaotic and terrifying.Ramzan (33), a patient from Kakori, had been admitted for the past four days. "Suddenly, there was smoke everywhere and people started screaming. We were terrified — it was pitch dark inside," he said.Another patient said, "We were lying down when we saw smoke creeping in. Within moments, flames followed. We rushed out, not knowing what was happening."Mahesh Rawat, who lives near the hospital, was among the first to notice the fire. "I was on my terrace when I saw flames rising from the hospital building. I rushed here immediately — my aunt is admitted here," he said.Barfi Devi (70) had undergone hip-replacement surgery and was lying on bed number 18-B when the chaos began. "I couldn't move much on my own. There was smoke all around and people were shouting. Thankfully, nurses helped me get up and took me outside. It was terrifying," she said, still shaken.Kalawati Ahuja (70) of Ashiyana, admitted a week ago for breathing difficulties, recalled the first signs of panic through her relative Vicky Ahuja. "Around 8:45 PM, we heard people in nearby wards screaming that there was a fire. Everyone started running. With help from other attendants and hospital staff, we managed to get her out safely," he said.Sarita Devi, from Kakori, was caring for her 9-year-old nephew Yug, recovering from a limb surgery. She recounted, "Someone shouted that there was a fire on our floor. Without wasting a second, I lifted Yug in my arms and ran to the ground floor. I didn't stop to look back."Another patient shared, "We were resting when smoke started creeping into the ward. Then flames appeared. We grabbed whatever we could and rushed out blindly. It was complete chaos."As thick smoke filled the building and emergency lights failed due to the power cut, attendants, hospital staff, and rescuers worked shoulder to shoulder to carry patients to safety — some on stretchers, others in wheelchairs or arms, amid panic and confusion.