Tributes to two Christian nurses who died saving others at Kolkata fire

Hundreds of people joined in prayers on Sunday for two Christian nurses who died while rescuing patients during Friday's fire at AMRI Hospitals in Kolkata.

The nurses, Remya Rajan and Vineetha PK, were charred to death in the fire while saving eight patients. They had reportedly died of suffocation.

The bodies of Remya and Vineetha were taken to their home towns in Kottayam, Kerala on Sunday. Union Minister Vayalar Ravi, State Finance Minister KM Mani and State Revenue Minister Thiruvanchiyoor Radhakrishnan were among those who paid homage.

Special prayers were later held at St. Thomas Syro-Malabar Catholic Church.

"The bodies were in the church for nearly 40 minutes after which the coffins were taken to the city airport for a flight to Kochi. Family members of the two nurses accompanied the bodies," parish priest Fr Joshy Myenparampil told The Hindu.

Some 3,000 nurses attended the prayers. The two nurses were members of the Jesus Youth Nurses Ministry under the parish.

Both the nurses had been in Kolkata for the last four months.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters that the state will accord official recognition for the sacrifice made by the nurses.

"Remya and Vineetha pulled out eight of the nine patients in the smoke-filled female ward and when they had gone up to save the ninth patient, they succumbed to the smoke and heat. The state will honour their courage," Chandy said.

The nursing fraternity from Kerala is acclaimed the world over for its commitment to the profession and a humane attitude towards patients, the chief minister said, adding "the two women are the personification of the values practised by the community."

Friday's tragedy at AMRI Hospitals is said to be the nation's worst fire in seven years. The blaze, according to reports, was caused by diesel fuel and motor oil stored in the hospital's basement. The outbreak of the fire reportedly claimed some 93 lives.

According to eyewitnesses, people spotted smoke streaming from the hospital around 3 am. However, the first fire engine reached two hours later, compounding rescue operations.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. Seven accused in the case, all board members of the hospital meanwhile have been remanded to police custody till December 20.

Families of the victims accused the hospital of ignoring basic fire safety laws, and said even doctors and staff members abandoned the patients when the fire began.

Commenting on the tragedy, the general secretary of the National Council of Churches in India (NCCI), Dr Roger Gaikwad, said the incident was "yet another example of how commercial services have become careless about the human person and are concerned more about financial gains."

"Our hearts go out in solidarity with all those who are bereaved and bruised, particularly those who are battling for their survival, and all their anxious dear ones," said Dr Gaikwad, who heads the Council that represents the country's Protestant and Orthodox churches.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Friday expressed shock and anguish over the loss of lives in the tragedy. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 each of those grievously injured.