In a tragic incident on Tuesday morning, a 50-year-old man lost his life, and his wife sustained serious head injuries when a decades-old tree fell on them inside the Cantonment General Hospital in Bolarum, Secunderabad.
The couple was heading towards the parking area within the hospital premises when the 30-feet tall Gulmohar tree collapsed, instantly killing K Ravinder, who was riding the bike. The Bolarum police have registered a case under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and will conduct a detailed investigation following a formal complaint from the family. T Ramakrishna, the superintendent of the hospital, confirmed that K Ravinder and his wife, K Sarala Devi, both aged 50, were visiting the hospital for Sarala Devi’s medical checkup. Expressing his shock at the incident, Ramakrishna stated that the tree was believed to be securely anchored with concrete. However, a recent examination by the horticulture department revealed that the tree’s roots had lost stability due to saturation from heavy rainfall, leading to its collapse.
Ravinder was pronounced dead at the scene, while Sarala Devi suffered a severe head injury and was promptly transferred to Gandhi Hospital for urgent medical treatment. In a narrowly averted additional tragedy, P Satyashil, the assistant medical officer of the hospital, was driving closely behind the couple when the tree fell. Satyashil managed to escape unharmed.
The aftermath of the incident saw hospital staff and emergency responders working to clear the massive tree from the area. Despite the efforts of 30 people, the tree could not be moved initially, necessitating the laborious task of cutting its branches and chopping the trunk into smaller, manageable pieces. The incident highlights the potential hazards posed by ageing trees, particularly those exposed to severe weather conditions. It underscores the need for regular monitoring and maintenance of hospital grounds and other public spaces to prevent such tragic occurrences. The authorities have promised a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident to identify any lapses and prevent future mishaps.
This unfortunate event has cast a sombre mood over the Cantonment General Hospital, with the hospital administration and staff expressing their condolences to the affected family. The hospital has assured the public that it will review its safety protocols and enhance measures to ensure the safety of its patients and visitors. As the community mourns the loss of Ravinder and prays for the recovery of Sarala Devi, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers that can arise from environmental factors, and the importance of vigilance and proactive safety measures in public spaces.
