Patna: Six people died and at least 15 were injured after a fire broke out at a hotel in Patna Thursday.
The fire, which broke out at around 10.45 pm at the four-storey Pal Hotel near Patna railway station, is believed to have originated from an LPG cylinder in the kitchen before spreading quickly through the building.
Some people on the higher floors jumped out of windows to save themselves from the fire. More than 40 people were rescued from the hotel. The deceased have not yet been identified. Of the 15 injured admitted to Patna Medical College and Hospital, two are said to be in critical condition.
“We confirm six deaths, three of them are women. We are yet to identify them. Two of the injured people are said to be critical. We ensured that the fire did not spread to buildings adjoining the hotel,” said Satya Prakash, Patna City Superintendent of Police (Central).
Soon after the fire broke out, several fire tenders were brought to the spot, and cranes were deployed as part of efforts to rescue those stuck on higher floors.
Fire Department Director General Shobha Ohatker said the department had been conducting regular fire audits. “Our special focus is on such crowded areas. We are constantly raising public awareness to prevent such incidents. Prima facie it happened due to a cylinder blast,” Ohatker told reporters.
Pal Hotel is one of oldest and busiest hotels in Patna because of its proximity to the railway station.