Patna: A major fire broke out in the pathology department of Patna Medical College and Hospital on Friday, triggering panic across the premises as flames rapidly engulfed parts of the facility.
Hospital authorities said patients, attendants and staff were evacuated promptly, preventing any casualties. Officials confirmed that no injuries or deaths had been reported.
The blaze caused extensive damage to equipment, machinery and critical documents in the department, with losses estimated to run into lakhs of rupees. A detailed assessment of the damage is currently underway.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the fire may have been caused by a short circuit, according to fire department officials.
Around six fire tenders were deployed to the scene, and firefighting operations began immediately after the incident was reported. At the time of reporting, efforts were ongoing to fully bring the fire under control.
As a precaution, sections of the hospital premises were evacuated, while police and administrative teams remained on site to monitor the situation.
Officials said the swift response by emergency services helped avert a major disaster, even as concerns remain over the extent of financial losses and the disruption of medical services.
