Pinaki Majumdar
Jamshedpur, May 4: A tragic incident occurred on Saturday evening at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College and Hospital in Jamshedpur, when a dilapidated balcony in the Medicine Department suddenly collapsed.
The accident claimed the lives of three patients and left one woman critically injured.
Five Trapped After Balcony Collapse
The balcony, located outside the third-floor Medicine Ward, gave way with a loud crash, creating panic throughout the hospital.
Five people who had been resting in the corridor were buried under the debris. Although local residents began rescue efforts immediately, police and fire personnel reportedly arrived about half an hour later. The NDRF continued rescue operations until early Sunday morning.
Casualties and Injuries
The deceased have been identified as 73-year-old David Johnson, 61-year-old Lucas Simon Tirkey from Sakchi, and 65-year-old Shrichand Tanti from Seraikela. Two others — Renuka Devi and Sunil Kumar — were rescued alive. Renuka Devi remains in critical condition.
Government Orders Probe and Announces Compensation
The Jharkhand government has set up a three-member committee to investigate the incident. It has also announced ex-gratia payments of Rs. 5 lakh to the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 to the injured.
State Health Minister Irfan Ansari visited the hospital late Saturday night and promised strict action against those responsible. Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed his condolences and emphasized the need for concrete steps to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Accountability Under Scrutiny
The incident has raised serious questions about the hospital administration, the building construction department, and the state government’s negligence. Locals and relatives of patients allege that authorities were aware of the building’s poor condition but failed to act in time.
Opposition Criticizes the Government
Former Chief Minister Raghubar Das blamed the tragedy on government apathy, calling it a failure of the administration.
BJP State President Babulal Marandi demanded a high-level investigation and strict action against those responsible. Both leaders offered condolences to the victims’ families and wished a speedy recovery for the injured.
