15 patients rescued after fire breaks out in city nursing home

Patna: At least 15 patients were rescued after a fire broke out at a nursing home at Ashok Nagar Colony under Kankarbagh area of Patna on Wednesday. The fire was caused by a short circuit in the G+3 residential-cum-nursing home, said a fire department official.

The nursing home staff initially attempted to douse the flames, but alerted fire officials after smoke began filling patient rooms, causing breathing difficulties.

Fire brigade teams, including state fire officer Manoj Nat, rushed to the spot with around six fire engines, rescue tenders and hydraulic equipment from Kankarbagh and Lodipur. Firefighters evacuated patients and staff as part of a coordinated rescue operation.

“The fire was caused by electric sparks following a short circuit. The rooms were filled with smoke, leading to suffocation. Around 10 to 15 patients were rescued safely,” Nat said.

The fire was brought under control after about one hour and 18 minutes. While no casualties were reported, the incident caused significant damage to the building, with medical equipment and furniture gutted.

Nat said a committee would be formed to investigate the exact circumstances that led to the fire.