A major fire accident was narrowly averted at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Guntur after a suspected short circuit triggered a fire in the biochemistry laboratory on the hospital premises on Tuesday (May 12, 2026). The incident damaged certain materials and a portion of the ceiling inside the lab, but swift action by hospital staff and the automatic sprinkler system prevented a potentially serious disaster.

GGH Superintendent Dr. S.S.V. Ramana told The Hindu that smoke was first noticed emanating from the locked biochemistry laboratory, prompting immediate intervention by hospital authorities. Security personnel and other staff members were immediately alerted to contain the situation.

“By the time the security staff opened the laboratory doors and entered, the sprinkler system had automatically activated and started spraying water on the flames, bringing the situation under control almost immediately,” Mr. Ramana said.

Though the fire caused some damage inside the laboratory, no casualties were reported and the equipment and machinery remained unharmed, he added. Fire department personnel also rushed to the hospital and assisted in bringing the situation fully under control.

Mr. Ramana said the continuous use of air conditioners and other electronic equipment during the peak summer season might have caused an electrical short circuit, leading to the fire.

He said recent fire safety awareness programmes and mock drills conducted for hospital staff, along with proper maintenance of the sprinkler system, played a key role in preventing a major accident.

The Superintendent said the biochemistry laboratory was now in good condition and was expected to resume operations after minor repair works were completed.