Daijiworld Media Network - Jamshedpur

Jamshedpur, May 4: In a tragic incident at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) Medical College and Hospital, three patients lost their lives and one remains critically injured after a balcony collapse in the Medicine Department corridor on Saturday afternoon.

The balcony, located on the third floor, collapsed around 4 p.m., sending heavy debris crashing onto patients resting in the corridor below. Panic gripped the hospital as onlookers rushed to help amid the chaos.

Five people were trapped under the rubble. Rescue efforts by police, fire services, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) extended until 1 am. Sunday. Two bodies were recovered by 9 p.m., and the third was pulled out in the early hours.

The deceased were identified as:

• David Johnson (73) of Sakchi
• Lucas Simon Tirkey (61)
• Srichand Tanti (65) of Saraikela

Two others, Renuka Devi and Sunil Kumar, were rescued; Renuka remains in critical condition.

The Jharkhand government announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each deceased victim’s family and Rs 50,000 for the injured. A three-member inquiry committee has been formed to investigate the cause of the collapse.

Health Minister Irfan Ansari visited the hospital late Saturday night and promised accountability. Chief Minister Hemant Soren extended condolences and said a long-term infrastructure safety plan will be implemented to prevent such tragedies.

The incident sparked public outrage, with many blaming administrative negligence. Locals claimed repeated warnings about the building’s condition were ignored.

Former CM Raghubar Das and BJP State President Babulal Marandi demanded a high-level inquiry and strict action against those responsible, terming the incident a preventable tragedy.