Patna: A massive fire broke out in the state capital's Patrakar Nagar police station building, which also housed residential quarters for the personnel in the top floors, on Wednesday, trapping over 30 people. There, however, were no casualties. The blaze was brought under control by 12 fire brigade vehicles after two hours.
Those trapped in the flames included five police personnel, of whom four were rescued with the help of the fire brigade's hydraulic crane. One sub-inspector was rescued from terrace after much effort.
Sadar-1 subdivisional police officer Abhinav said around 20 constables and other personnel live with families in the building. The police station is on the ground floor of the building.
"Prima facie, the fire broke out due to a short circuit. Barring some seized vehicles parked near the warehouse of the station, there is no major loss of property. Police documents and other seized property kept in the warehouse are safe," said Abhinav.
District fire officer Manoj Nat said that the extent of damage is being assessed, while the exact cause of the fire will be determined after an investigation. The fire could have been worse had his team not arrived on time, he added.
Constable Deepak Kumar, who was among those trapped in the fire, said he was at his residence when he saw flames rising up from the ground floor.
Munna, a shopkeeper near the station, said after they noticed fire in the building, they tried to extinguish it before informing the fire brigade. "We helped evacuate several police personnel, living in the building with their families," he said.