Patna: A massive fire broke out at a thinner factory in the densely populated Gulabbag area under the Barh police station on Monday evening, triggering panic as chemical-filled drums exploded due to the intense heat. Flames soared high, and locals attempted to douse the fire before emergency services arrived.
Barh SDPO Rakesh Kumar stated that the police received information about the fire around 7 PM. Fire brigade units were dispatched from Patna, Nalanda, and Lakhisarai to control the blaze. However, the delay in response and the limited resources of the fire department made it difficult to contain the rapidly spreading fire.
Preliminary investigations revealed that a cow tied near the factory was burnt to death, while seven vehicles, including a tractor, were completely charred. One person sustained burn injuries, and unconfirmed reports suggested that some factory workers might still be trapped inside. However, police dismissed these claims as rumors.
Eyewitnesses reported that the fire brigade arrived nearly an hour after the incident was reported. Due to the intensity of the flames and exploding chemical drums, the available firefighting resources proved inadequate. A parked tractor also caught fire, with its fuel tank exploding due to the heat.
The affected factory, Maa Durga Chemical, is owned by Satyam Kumar Sahu, a resident of Billaur. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Officials have launched an inquiry to verify whether the factory had a valid license for manufacturing spirit and thinner and if proper safety protocols were in place.
SDPO Rakesh Kumar confirmed that once the situation is under control, authorities will investigate the number of workers present at the time of the incident and whether safety regulations were followed. The fire department is also working to determine the cause of the fire. A formal complaint will provide a clearer picture of the extent of damages.
