Second Fire Incident in Department Since April Raises Safety Concerns
A major fire broke out at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) on Monday afternoon, triggering panic among students, staff, and patients after flames engulfed the Department of Microbiology. The blaze caused extensive damage to the HIV Viral Load Office, with losses estimated at more than Rs 1.5 crore.
The incident occurred around 2:00 PM while examinations were underway in the department. Authorities immediately evacuated students and staff from the building as thick smoke spread through the premises. Five fire tenders were deployed to the scene, and firefighters managed to bring the situation under control before it could spread further.
According to PMCH Superintendent Rajiv Kumar Singh, the HIV Viral Load Office was completely destroyed in the fire. Critical equipment, including freezers, air-conditioning units, important documents, and expensive laboratory chemicals, were reduced to ashes.
“The estimated loss exceeds Rs 1.5 crore. The prompt response by the fire department prevented a much larger disaster. A detailed assessment is being carried out, and preliminary findings indicate that a short circuit may have triggered the fire,” Singh said.
He further noted that the incident is likely to impact HIV testing services, as samples from several districts are processed at the affected facility.
District Fire Commandant Ritesh Pandey stated that the fire control room received an emergency call at approximately 2:10 PM. While one fire tender is permanently stationed on the PMCH campus, six additional units were rushed to the site to contain the blaze.
Pandey also expressed concern over the institution’s fire safety preparedness, stating that safety arrangements across the campus were inadequate and that a detailed investigation would be conducted.
Pratyul Nandan, Head of the Department of Microbiology, said the fire erupted shortly after examination activities were nearing completion.
“We noticed smoke rising from the area and immediately disconnected the electricity supply. However, the flames intensified rapidly. Initial attempts were made to extinguish the fire, but when those efforts failed, the fire department was informed,” he said.
The latest incident marks the second fire reported in the same department since April. Earlier, equipment, machinery, and important documents were damaged in another fire incident. PMCH had also witnessed a separate fire during the relocation of materials from the old building of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department.
Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the full extent of the damage. The recurring incidents have once again highlighted the urgent need for stronger fire safety measures and infrastructure upgrades at one of Bihar’s largest government hospitals.
