2 new CATS ambulances catch fire at trials

Safety standards of 110 newly-procured CATS ambulances by the Delhi government faced serious questions on Friday after two vans caught fire during testing in Shahdara, just two days before the launch of the Delhi government’s emergency medical response scheme. Two vehicles caught fire during testing of their air-conditioners. Eyewitnesses said a minor spark in the vehicles triggered the fire and the vehicles turned into ashes within minutes.

Narendra Kumar Lakra, president, CATS Ambulance staff union, demanded an inquiry should be conducted into the incident that has raised grave safety concerns for these vehicles. “The two ambulances were parked at IBHAS Hospital in Shahdara when they caught fire during the testing of their air-conditioners. A minor spark triggered fire and the ambulances turned into ashes within minutes. The government has spent Rs 8.5 lakh on purchase of each vehicle and Rs 15 lakh has been spent on the fittings,” he said.

He said even after spending huge amount of money, sub-standard vehicles are being procured. “The incident just highlights that these ambulances, which will be used for emergency care, are not safe. An inquiry should be conducted by the experts of all these new vehicles before they are inaugurated in haste by the government,” he said.

The new fleet of the CATS ambulances will be inaugurated by deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia and city health minister Satyendar Jain. Out of these, 10 advanced life support ambulances cost Rs 33 lakh each and 100 basic life support ambulances cost Rs 22.85 lakh each.

The Supreme Court had on Wednesday relaxed its ban on registration of diesel vehicles over 2000cc engine capacity to enable the government to procure these ambulances and get them registered with the transport authority.

According to the fire department, there was a call at 3 pm for fire tenders to be sent to the spot.