PATNA: At least six people were killed in a deadly fire that ripped through a hotel in eastern India on Thursday, police said. The inferno, which erupted in the early afternoon, quickly engulfed the hotel and spread to nearby structures before firefighters managed to bring it under control.
According to police, the devastating fire tore through the Pal Hotel in the bustling city of Patna, Bihar. Authorities, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the death toll is expected to rise as rescue teams continue scouring the debris for any remaining survivors. Alongside the fatalities, reports indicate that a staggering 18 persons sustained injuries in the blaze and are currently fighting for their lives in local hospitals.
According to senior fire brigade officer Sobha Ohatkar, preliminary investigations suggest that negligence may have been a contributing factor to the tragic incident. Ohatkar emphasized the pressing need for stringent adherence to safety protocols and regulations to prevent similar disasters in the future.
The arduous battle against the flames lasted over three hours before firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze. However, the aftermath of the fire serves as a stark reminder of the widespread safety concerns plaguing many commercial establishments across India. Inadequate emergency exits and deficient fire-fighting equipment remain glaring issues due to lax enforcement of regulations.
