Doctor Jumps Out Seconds Before Car Ignites
Patna: A frightening incident occurred near Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH) when Dr. Saurav Kumar, an orthopaedic specialist, narrowly escaped death after his car suddenly caught fire on Wednesday.
Just moments after starting the engine, the doctor smelled something unusual and stepped out—minutes later, the vehicle burst into flames.
Fire Breaks Out on JP Ganga Path Elevated Road
The incident took place on the JP Ganga Path elevated road, close to PMCH. As the fire spread, thick black smoke rose nearly 30 feet, engulfing parts of the hospital building and alarming patients and staff.
Diesel Leak Suspected Behind the Blaze
According to preliminary analysis reported by Bhaskar, the fire appears to have been caused by a diesel leak, which likely ignited the engine immediately after it was switched on.
The car was engulfed within minutes.
Massive Traffic Jam as Panic Grips the Area
The sudden blaze triggered panic among commuters, leading to a 3-kilometre traffic jam on Ganga Path. Vehicles halted as flames and smoke filled the stretch, disrupting movement on the busy road.
Fire Brigade Controls the Situation Quickly
Upon receiving alerts, the fire brigade reached the spot promptly and managed to bring the fire under control, preventing spread and further damage.
Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and the doctor escaped unharmed.
Hospital Activities Temporarily Affected
The heavy smoke created temporary disruption near PMCH, with people rushing away from the area. No casualties or structural damage to the hospital were reported.
Incident Raises Concerns Over Vehicle Safety
The suspected diesel leak underscores rising concerns over vehicle maintenance and fuel-related hazards, especially in high-traffic zones like the elevated Ganga Path.
Recent Tragedy Highlights Road Safety Issues
In a separate incident reported earlier, two third-year MBBS students from SN Medical College died in a road accident near the ISBT stretch on National Highway 19. Both 22-year-old students hailed from Uttar Pradesh—one from Agra and the other from Hardoi.