Siliguri, Dec.15: Electric sparks near the gynaecology operation theatre at North Bengal Medical College and Hospital here around noon led to panic among patients who were admitted to the nearby wards.

According to patients who were waiting for surgeries, there were some sparks in the electrical junction box in the corridor that leads to the OT and smoke started emanating from it around 11.15am.

"I was waiting to be taken inside the OT for delivery when there were sparks in the electrical box fixed to the wall in the corridor. Black smoke started coming out and we got tensed. Nurses and ayahs who were present there started evacuating those of us waiting for surgeries and patients admitted to the gynaecology ward near the OT. We were taken to another ward where we were kept for 30 minutes till normality was restored," said Bina Roy, an expecting mother.

NBMCH officials said there were nine newborns and 17 female patients, including new mothers and those who were supposed to undergo surgeries in the gynaecology ward, when the sparks were noticed.

"The fire was not major and was caused by a short circuit. It was brought under control within a few minutes with the help of a fire extinguisher at the hospital. The fire had been doused by the time fire engines arrived. However, we took no risk and shifted the newborns at the neonatal care unit. Also, the female patients were shifted to the obstetrics ward. They were brought back after the wiring was thoroughly checked by an electrician," said Nirmal Bera, the hospital superintendent.