KAIMUR FAILS TO LEARN FROM LUCKNOW FIRE TRAGEDY

KAIMUR FAILS TO LEARN FROM LUCKNOW FIRE TRAGEDY

25-JUNE-ENG 1

RAJIV NAYAN AGRAWAL

BHABHUA--------------------------A major incident has been reported from the district, where a massive fire broke out at the American Library located on Ashtabhuji Road near Patel Chowk in Bhabua town. A short circuit in an air conditioner (AC) is cited as the primary cause of the fire. A potential catastrophe was averted thanks to the timely arrival of the fire department; otherwise, a tragic situation similar to the Lucknow fire incident could have unfolded.

The incident occurred while people inside the library premises were busy with their work. Suddenly, sparks from a short circuit ignited the AC, and the fire quickly intensified. Panic gripped the surrounding area as flames and plumes of smoke billowed from the library. Observing the severity of the fire, locals immediately alerted the fire department. Fire tenders arrived at the scene and brought the blaze under control after a strenuous effort. The library's furniture, critical electronic equipment, and essential documents were reduced to ashes in the incident.

Upon receiving news of the incident, Bhabua Circle Officer (CO) Purushottam Kumar and the Bhabua Station House Officer (SHO) arrived at the scene with their teams. Assessing the situation, CO Purushottam Kumar remarked that it was fortunate no children were present at the time, as the 'American Kid School' also operates within the same complex.

The CO stated sternly that the library operator had blatantly violated the guidelines issued by the Disaster Management Department. He clarified that an investigation report would be submitted to the District Magistrate and strict legal action would be taken against the operator.

This incident highlights the negligence of coaching center and library operators regarding safety standards. The question arises: despite major incidents like the Lucknow fire tragedy, why is the administration so lax in inspecting the Fire NOCs and safety arrangements of such institutions? Had the fire tenders not arrived on time, the blaze could have engulfed the surrounding densely populated area and adjacent buildings. The district administration is now taking the matter seriously and has stated that it will investigate other institutions as well.