A tragic incident unfolded near Patna junction as a massive fire engulfed three buildings of hotels, resulting in six fatalities and leaving over a dozen individuals injured. The blaze, which broke out at Pal Hotel and quickly spread to adjacent structures, led to a chaotic scene as firefighting officials rushed to contain the flames.
Fire brigade authorities reported that casualty figures could rise, underscoring the severity of the situation. The fire, fueled by strong winds, also consumed several vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and auto-rickshaws, further adding to the devastation.
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, with fire brigade teams managing to rescue over 45 individuals stranded on rooftops. However, the congestion in the area hindered the prompt arrival of fire tenders, causing delays in the dousing and rescue efforts.
At Patna Medical College Hospital (PMCH), where the injured were admitted, medical staff faced critical cases with severe burn injuries. Dr. IS Thakur, PMCH’s medical superintendent, confirmed the grim toll, stating that six individuals had succumbed to their injuries, while others were being treated for varying degrees of burns.
The identities of the deceased and critically injured victims are yet to be established. Those receiving treatment at PMCH have been identified, including individuals with inhalation injuries.
Authorities emphasized the importance of fire safety measures, urging hotel owners to prioritize maintenance of proper safety protocols. Despite challenges posed by the congested area, fire officials worked tirelessly to minimize casualties and damages.
Eyewitnesses recounted the harrowing scene, with gas cylinders bursting and chaos reigning until firefighting operations could commence effectively. The tragedy highlights the critical need for swift emergency response and adherence to fire safety guidelines to prevent such devastating incidents in the future.
Sources By Agencies