• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

A fire broke out in a three-story illegal warehouse in the Usmanpur neighborhood of Sector-K, Aliganj. Panic spread throughout the area as flames and smoke billowed from the building. The blaze was so intense that it spread to an adjacent hostel, trapping more than 15 girls inside.

Upon receiving the information, ten fire tenders rushed to the scene. Firefighters formed separate teams and safely rescued all 15 girls. During the incident, one laborer present in the warehouse sustained burn injuries. Five firefighters were also injured when a ledge collapsed twice while they were battling the blaze. Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Aliganj, Rishabh Yadav, stated that the fire was being brought under control after four and a half hours of intense effort.

The three-story building in Usmanpur, Sector-K, is owned by Amarjeet Singh and was being used as a photo frame warehouse. In a similar, neighboring building, a man named Ravi operates a hostel where more than 15 girls reside. On Friday around 6:30 pm, the fire suddenly broke out in the warehouse, and flames began to rise, causing panic in the locality.

The girls in the hostel tried to get out, but the flames blocked their escape. Four of the five laborers in the warehouse managed to flee, but one laborer, identified as Sachin, was burned. Ten fire tenders from Bakshi Ka Talab, Indiranagar, Hazratganj, Gomtinagar, and other areas were dispatched to the scene.

Firefighters formed three teams to begin the rescue operation. One team successfully evacuated the 15 trapped girls from the hostel. The fire trucks could not reach the narrow lane, so firefighters had to lay pipes stretching 200 meters to extinguish the fire. Joint Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Bablu Kumar, Chief Fire Officer Ankush Mittal, and other officials also arrived at the scene.

As cracks began to appear in nearby houses, police evacuated the surrounding homes and had cooking gas cylinders moved to a safe distance. The ACP confirmed that the fire was brought under control after a four-and-a-half-hour operation.

The Chief Fire Officer reported that Fireman Mahendra Kumar Bind, Fireman Gangamani Singh, Fireman Ashok Kumar, Fireman Rajneesh, and Fireman Sunil Kumar were injured. All are receiving treatment at a hospital.

Ledge Collapsed Three Times In Four Hours

Controlling the fire was difficult due to the narrow lane, forcing firefighters to climb onto ledges to access the building. Police had not initially cleared the area. The first ledge collapse occurred at 8:30 pm, injuring the five firefighters. Police then began moving local residents away. The ledge fell again at 9:10 pm and a third time just two minutes later.

Also Read: Rohtas News: Firing At Govardhan Puja Event In Karakat Leaves 3 Injured

Smoke Visible From Three Kilometers Away

The incident was so massive that the smoke was visible from three kilometers away. Tanmay Rajput, who was at the Purnia intersection, said he was returning home from the office when he saw black smoke rising from the direction of Aliganj and went to the scene.

Panic spread among the people, with many trying to reach the site. Police worked to keep the crowds away from the scene. The building owner was reportedly not seen during the incident.

Also Read: Chhath Puja Rush: Passengers Hang From Doors On Overcrowded Trains To Bihar

Hostel And Warehouse Violated Safety Standards

According to regulations, hostels and warehouses must have proper building setbacks and all necessary fire safety equipment. It was observed during the incident that both the warehouse and the hostel were operating in violation of these standards. The hostel had only one entry and exit, and the warehouse situation was much the same.

Also In News