Bengaluru: A fire broke out in the Critical Care Unit (CCU) of M S Ramaiah Medical College Hospital in Mathikere, Bengaluru, on Thursday afternoon.

Sujay Sujathan, a 34-year-old native of Punalur, Kerala, was killed in the fire accident. He was undergoing treatment for pneumonia at the hospital for the past two weeks.

Family members claim that he died due to smoke inhalation caused by the fire. They have also expressed frustration, stating that they were not permitted to see his body after the incident.

Hospital authorities, however, have denied any injuries or fatalities due to the fire. "A minor fire broke out at the Cardiac Care Unit on the first floor of the hospital.

Four patients who were admitted in the CCU were immediately evacuated and shifted to safety. No patient or staff member was injured in the fire," a senior fire and emergency services department official said.

Three fire department vehicles were dispatched to the scene to control the situation. Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control swiftly, preventing further damage.

"The patients are safe. All of them have been evacuated. The fire didn't cause any injuries to anyone. It's the first time something like this happened and we suspect it must have been due to a short circuit," said a hospital official. 

(with PTI inputs)