Devastating fires swept through several hotels near Patna Railway Station early Thursday morning, April 25, resulting in six fatalities and numerous injuries. The fire fighters said the number of casualties could rise.
Patna is an ancient city along the southern bank of the Ganges River in Bihar, northeast India.
The blaze, which ignited at the Pal Hotel before spreading to the adjacent Amrit Hotel and other buildings, prompted a massive response from emergency services.
Firefighters, who were hindered by the congested streets surrounding the hotels, were dispatched quickly. Despite their efforts, it took approximately 40 minutes to begin substantial firefighting due to the area’s heavy traffic, significantly impacting the rescue operations. Over two hours passed before the fire could be brought under control.
The inferno, fueled by strong winds, also led to the destruction of several vehicles parked nearby, including motorcycles, cars, and auto-rickshaws. A Border Security Force constable present at the Pal Hotel during the outbreak reported that the fire escalated when several gas cylinders exploded on the premises.
Shobha Ohotkar, the director general-cum-commandant of home guard and fire services, oversaw the firefighting efforts. She highlighted the challenges posed by the area’s layout but commended the firefighters for their dedication to minimizing casualties and damage. “Over 45 persons stranded on the rooftops were rescued,” Ohotkar stated, noting the quick evacuation of over a dozen people to Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) for treatment.
At PMCH, Dr. I.S. Thakur, the medical superintendent, reported the arrival of 17 victims with burn injuries. “Three were brought dead, and two others are in critical condition pending confirmation of their status post-ECG,” Dr. Thakur explained. He added that while the rest suffered less severe injuries, the situation remains dire for some.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation. However, initial reports suggest a gas cylinder blast may have sparked the blaze. In response to the tragedy, authorities have intensified their scrutiny of fire safety measures in local hotels, which have been a focus of recent fire audits conducted by the fire department.
This incident underscores the ongoing issues with fire safety compliance in crowded urban settings in India, a country marred by frequent fire-related disasters due to often ignored safety regulations. The recent tragedy has reignited concerns about the need for rigorous enforcement of fire safety laws, especially in densely populated areas like Patna.
The affected hotels are located near major transit hubs, which typically experience significant daily foot traffic, complicating both evacuation and emergency response efforts. In light of the incident, local authorities are pushing for more stringent adherence to fire safety protocols among business owners.