Saran: Panic spread briefly in Chapra city on Tuesday morning after a fire alarm suddenly went off at the Punjab National Bank (PNB) branch on Dak Bungalow Road. The loud alarm startled local residents, shopkeepers and passersby, many of whom feared that a serious fire had broken out inside the bank. As rumours spread quickly in the crowded area, people rushed towards the building to check what had happened and to help prevent any possible accident.
Taking the situation seriously, local residents immediately informed the electricity department, which cut off the power supply to the surrounding area as a safety step. At the same time, the incident was reported to the city police station. A police team reached the bank soon after, while the branch remained locked. The owner of the building contacted the bank’s branch manager, Amit Kumar Verma, and other staff members over the phone to inform them about the alarm and the growing concern outside.
The bank was later opened in the presence of the police, and a detailed inspection was carried out. Police officers and bank staff carefully checked the server room, electrical wiring, fire safety system and other sensitive areas. No signs of fire, short circuit or damage were found anywhere inside the branch, easing some of the tension among those gathered outside.
Further investigation revealed that the alarm had been triggered by smoke coming from burning tyres near the bank building. The smoke entered the bank through an exhaust fan and activated the smoke sensor, which caused the fire alarm to sound. Once the real cause was known, the police, bank officials and local residents breathed a sigh of relief. Electricity was restored, and police advised people in the area to avoid burning waste near buildings in future, as even smoke can create panic and disrupt public life.
