National Desk, 25th April: A devastating fire engulfed three hotel buildings located just 50 meters from Patna Junction on Thursday morning, resulting in the loss of three lives and leaving over a dozen others injured.
Fire brigade officials reported that one body was recovered from Hotel Pal, while the bodies of a mother and her daughter were found in the adjacent Hotel Amrit. The casualty count may rise as the situation unfolds, warned officials.
Fueled by strong winds, the fire quickly spread through the buildings, engulfing not only the hotels but also several vehicles parked nearby, including cars, motorcycles, and auto-rickshaws.
Emergency responders, including firefighting teams and rescue personnel, rushed to the scene despite facing challenges posed by congested roads. They managed to rescue several individuals stranded on the rooftops of the burning buildings, with many transported to Patna Medical College Hospital for urgent medical attention.
Dr. IS Thakur, the hospital’s medical superintendent, confirmed the tragic toll, with three individuals pronounced dead upon arrival and several others admitted with varying degrees of burn injuries. Efforts to save the critically injured are ongoing.
Shobha Ohotkar, Director General cum Commandant of the Home Guard and Fire Services, praised the firefighting teams for their efforts amidst challenging circumstances. She emphasized the importance of fire safety measures and urged hotel owners to prioritize their implementation to prevent future tragedies.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and desperation as the fire raged on, causing extensive damage to the properties and claiming precious lives.