Story highlights
Some seven-eight fire engines were rushed to the spot, which were able to douse the fire in more than two hours.
At least six people were killed after a massive fire broke out in several hotel buildings near Patna railway station in the eastern Indian state of Bihar on Thursday (Apr 25). Authorities said at least 30 people were injured and the causality could go up. Media reports say the fire started from Pal hotel and soon spread to nearby hotels. Several bikes and cars were also gutted in the fire. Some seven-eight fire engines were rushed to the spot, which doused the blaze in more than two hours.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajeev Mishra, said at least 20 people were rescued from the buildings, located in a crowded place.
Some eyewitnesses said guests in the hotel jumped from their windows and got themselves injured.
#Bihar: Six people, including three women, died in a major fire tragedy in a hotel near Patna Junction. 15 others were injured in the incident.
City SP Chandraprakash says people who received burn injuries have been admitted to Patna Medical College Hospital. pic.twitter.com/zRI3puidAr
— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) April 25, 2024
“Three people have died in the fire. Their identities are yet to be ascertained. Those with injuries are being rushed to hospital,” Mishra was earlier quoted as saying by PTI.
DIG (Fire), Mrityunjay Kumar Chaudhary, who had rushed to the spot, told reporters, “We have brought the blaze, about which information was received around 11 am, under control. The cause will be ascertained through a proper investigation, and appropriate action will follow”.
Watch: India: IMD issues red alert over severe heatwave, heavy rainfall over Northeast India
Officials said a cylinder explosion led to the fire, which went out of control as safety measures were not in place.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident.
“It is sad that 6 people died in a fire incident at Hotel Pal near Patna Junction. Instructions have been given for proper treatment of the injured. I wish for their speedy recovery. I pray to God to give strength to the family members of the deceased to bear this sorrow,” Kumar posted on social media site X.
पटना जंक्शन के पास होटल पाल में आग लगने की घटना में 6 लोगों की मृत्यु दुःखद। घायलों के समुचित इलाज का निर्देश दिया है। उनके शीघ्र स्वस्थ होने की कामना है। मृतकों के परिजनों को दुःख की इस घड़ी में धैर्य धारण करने की शक्ति प्रदान करने की ईश्वर से प्रार्थना है।
— Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) April 25, 2024
(With inputs from agencies)
)
Vikrant Singh
Geopolitical writer at WION, follows Indian foreign policy and world politics, a truth seeker.
