Patna: A major fire at a car washing centre in the Rupsapur area of Patna triggered panic on Wednesday, with towering flames and thick black smoke visible from a distance. Residents in the densely populated neighbourhood described scenes of chaos as the blaze rapidly intensified, sending plumes of smoke across the skyline.
Emergency services responded swiftly, dispatching 14 fire engines to the site. Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours before bringing it under control. As a precautionary measure, authorities evacuated nearby homes and cleared adjacent shops to prevent the flames from spreading further.
Officials said a suspected short circuit may have caused the fire, though a detailed investigation is ongoing. The incident resulted in the destruction of at least five cars, several of them reportedly luxury vehicles, leading to losses estimated in the lakhs of rupees.
Police cordoned off the area to ensure that rescue operations were not hindered. Officers from the local station remained at the scene to maintain order and oversee safety measures. No injuries or fatalities have been reported, and authorities said prompt action by firefighters helped avert a potentially larger disaster.
