A tragic incident unfolded in eastern India as a major fire broke out at a restaurant and hotel, claiming the lives of at least six individuals and leaving 20 others injured. The fire was triggered by a cooking gas cylinder explosion during mealtime at the restaurant, quickly spreading to the adjacent hotel located in Patna, the capital of Bihar state.
Local fire officer Satya Prakash reported that firefighters swiftly responded to the emergency, rescuing around 40 people from the engulfed buildings. The firefighting efforts involved more than a dozen fire engines that worked tirelessly to extinguish the blaze. The hotel's proximity to Patna's railroad station added complexity to the rescue operation due to the congested surroundings.
Tragically, several vehicles parked at the hotel were destroyed by the fire, and some hotel guests resorted to jumping from their room windows to escape, resulting in injuries. Further details regarding the extent of the damage and the condition of those affected are still awaited as the situation unfolds.
Notably, incidents of fires are not uncommon in India, often attributed to non-compliance with building regulations and safety standards by both builders and residents. Past tragedies, such as the 2019 fire in the Indian capital that claimed 43 lives due to an electrical short circuit, and the 2022 fire in a commercial building in New Delhi that resulted in at least 27 fatalities, serve as stark reminders of the importance of adhering to safety protocols to prevent such devastating events.
