KANPUR, April 13 -- A formalin gas leak from an operation theatre at a private hospital in Farrukhabad on Sunday evening triggered a stampede-like situation, forcing patients and attendants to flee the building. Three mothers and their newborn babies were also evacuated. The leak occurred at the private healthcare facility near Maseni on Itawa-Bareilly highway under Qadrigate police station area. The gas, used to sterilise surgical equipment in operation theatres, spread to the first floor where mothers who had recently delivered and their babies were admitted. Within minutes, patients and attendants complained of burning eyes and throat irritation. Attendants ran to safety with newborn babies. However, three mothers, unable to move following surgery, were left behind. Qadrigate police reached the hospital shortly after but initially could not enter the building due to the fumes. A fire brigade unit arrived and started its work. The three mothers were eventually brought out and shifted to the district women's hospital on the orders of additional chief medical officer Dr Ranjan Gautam, who reached the spot and took stock of the situation. Patients admitted on the second floor were not affected. Several hospital staff members were detained by police. The hospital's owner did not arrive at the scene through the night that drew a sharp response from Dr Gautam. "Prima facie, this is negligence on the part of the hospital administration," he said. "The owner's absence is irresponsible. Action will be taken after an inquiry." The gas leak had not been fully contained until late into the night and officials remained there.htc...