Bhopal: In the early hours of Saturday morning, a catastrophic fire erupted across multiple floors of Vallabh Bhawan, the administrative nerve center of Madhya Pradesh’s government in Bhopal. The inferno, which reportedly originated from the first floor, rapidly ascended to engulf the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors, leading to widespread alarm and immediate mobilization of emergency services.
Eyewitnesses report that the blaze may have been sparked by neglected piles of old files and refuse, which facilitated the fire’s swift spread. The fifth floor, housing the Chief Minister’s office, was among the areas severely affected, raising concerns over the potential loss of significant governmental documents and sensitive data.
As the flames intensified, employees found themselves trapped amidst the chaos, prompting a swift response from the fire department. Fire safety expert Pankaj Khare is currently on-site, overseeing the rescue and containment efforts.
Vallabh Bhawan, a landmark building in Bhopal, serves as the Secretariat of Madhya Pradesh, containing the offices of various ministers and the Chief Minister. The cause of the fire remains undetermined at this stage, but authorities are on high alert as fire brigade vehicles and ambulances continue to arrive, signaling an ongoing battle against the conflagration.
The incident has cast a spotlight on the state’s preparedness for such emergencies, with officials vowing to investigate the matter thoroughly to prevent future occurrences. As the situation unfolds, the focus remains on the safety of the trapped employees and the recovery of any salvageable documents from the wreckage.
