6 including child killed in Chennai hospital fire

At least six people, including a boy, lost their lives in a fire at a private hospital in India's Chennai on Thursday, Hindustan Times reports citing police and Fire Department officials.

The incident took place on Thursday night at the City Hospital on Trichy Road. The victims were found unconscious in a lift and were immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead by doctors.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel discovered the victims after evacuating around 30 patients from the hospital. Officials said the evacuated individuals were then admitted to the district's Government Hospital.

Initial investigations by the police suggest the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit. TV footage showed smoke and flames rising from the hospital, with fire trucks deployed to control the blaze.