Power outage in Chennai hospital leave 419 patients in dark

The power disruption occurred after an electrical fire that damaged the main power line and the backup generator cable.

In Short

• Power outage affects Kalaignar Centenary Hospital in Chennai Saturday
• Electrical fire damages main power line, backup generator cable
• At the time of power outage, 419 patients were admitted in the hospital

A major power outage at Kalaignar Centenary Super Speciality Hospital in Chennai on Saturday evening left 419 patients in the dark for almost two hours. However, the 15 patients admitted to critical care units with ventilator support remained unaffected as they operated on a separate power line.

The power disruption occurred after an electrical fire damaged the main power line and the backup generator cable. The hospital staff quickly brought in additional generators.

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary Supriya Sahu, who rushed to the hospital along with the senior officials, ensured the patients' safety and oversaw recovery efforts.

Sahu reassured the patients and their families, stating that there was no cause for concern.

“We have visited every ward and assured everyone that power will be restored soon,” Sahu said. She also directed officials to do a safety audit to prevent such incidents.

The cause of the electrical fire is yet to be ascertained.