Two die as truck fire spreads to godown

Patna: Two persons died while three others were seriously injured in a fire that broke out in a godown at Pahari Mor adjacent to NH-30 in the Patna City area on Tuesday. The injured were rushed to Nalanda Medical College and Hospital (NMCH) where their condition was said to be critical.

The mishap happened when a truck carrying goods from Delhi suddenly caught fire around 9am. The flames engulfed a nearby motor repair shop. The fire spread, causing panic among the transporters in the area.

Eyewitnesses said three more trucks that were parked nearby were damaged because of the fire. A blast also took place after a cylinder in the vicinity came in contact with the fire.

A total of 10 fire-tenders from Patna City, Kankarbagh, Sachivalaya and Danapur were pressed into service to douse the flames. It took almost five hours to bring the situation under control. Eight ambulances were also kept in standby to admit the victims to the hospital. The two deaths happened on the spot.

Senior police and administrative officials including Patna district magistrate (DM) Kumar Ravi reached the spot to take stock of the situation. Ravi told reporters that the identity of the dead was yet to be ascertained.

The DM said an ex-gratia of Rs 4 lakh each would be paid to the next of kin of the two dead persons and directed the sub-divisional officer (SDO) of Patna City to provide treatment to the injured free of cost. The DM later asked the SDO, Rajesh Roshan, to conduct an inquiry and submit a report at the earliest.

The DM also directed additional collector (disaster management) Moizuddin to accelerate relief and rescue work. Personnel of the state disaster response force (SDRF) have been engaged in relief and rehabilitation operation.

DM Ravi announced that fire officials will be suitably rewarded for their quick response. Earlier, a major fire tragedy was averted in Malsalami police station area in Patna City.

Courtesy: The Telegraph