Patna: A loud explosion occurred inside Patna Museum when a fire extinguisher suddenly burst, spreading smoke across the campus. The incident took place in the Kotwali police station area, causing panic among visitors and staff. Upon receiving the information, police, fire department officials, and fire brigade vehicles rushed to the spot to assess the situation.
According to initial reports, the explosion resulted from negligence, as the fire extinguisher had been left unattended for a long time without maintenance. The blast damaged a wall and glass inside the museum, but no casualties have been reported. District Fire Officer Manoj Nat stated that the extinguisher was left in the sun without being properly defused, leading to the explosion. Officials were not informed about its condition, and as a precaution, 12 to 15 fire extinguishers have now been diffused. The sub-divisional fire officer has been directed to take further action.
Witnesses described the sudden explosion as terrifying. Rickshaw driver Vinod, who was resting nearby, said it felt like a bomb blast, causing people to gather in large numbers. Local residents and museum staff were alarmed, and fire brigade personnel quickly took control of the situation. Officials confirmed that the fire extinguisher contained CO2 gas, which could have caused serious injuries or fatalities if anyone had been nearby at the time.
A museum guard revealed that the old fire extinguisher had been repainted and kept for reuse. The negligence in handling safety equipment has raised concerns about maintenance protocols in the museum. Fire officials have now taken charge of inspecting and securing other extinguishers to prevent similar incidents in the future.
