At least six people were dead and dozens injured after a fire broke out in a hotel close to Patna junction railway station on Thursday, said the officials. Prima facie, the fire broke out due to a cylinder blast, said an official from the fire department, adding that the flames have been extinguished.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Rajeev Mishra said that fire fighters rescued over 20 people from the building which is situated in a crowded locality, as per a PTI report. The injured are being rushed to hospital, Mishra added.
"We have brought the blaze, about which information was received around 11 am, under control," said Deputy Inspector General (Fire), Mrityunjay Kumar Chaudhary.
The cause will be ascertained through a proper investigation, and appropriate action will follow," he added.
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Speaking to reporters, Shobha Ohatker, Director General, Fire Department said that regular fire audits are being conducted especially in crowded areas.
"We are conducting regular fire audits and 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. The fire has been extinguished...," she said.
Among the deceased are three men and three women.
(With inputs from Paramanand)