Major fire erupts at Bruhat Bengaluru Quality Control Laboratory: nine injured

In a significant fire incident on Friday evening at the Quality Control Laboratory inside the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike, Bengaluru city, nine individuals sustained burn injuries. Among the injured were senior officials of Quality Control, with four of them critically wounded. Quick action by police and fire force personnel managed to extinguish the flames, preventing further escalation.

Post-incident analysis by Additional Commissioner East, Sateesh Kumar, indicated that a blast in one of the three ovens used for conducting chemical tests in the lab might have ignited the fire. After the fire was put out, the injured were promptly transported to a local hospital. The exact identities of the victims are yet to be disclosed.

Eyewitnesses reported that the blaze, first noticed between 4:45 pm to 5 pm, rapidly consumed the building’s top, trapping several individuals inside. Prompt action by on-site personnel helped prevent the fire from spreading to adjoining sections by sealing the doors of the record room. Bystanders and police officers collaborated to both combat the fire and ensure the injured received prompt medical attention. They were then transferred to Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru.

Urban Development Minister, Byrathi Suresh, addressing the media, affirmed the excellence in burn treatment available at Victoria Hospital. He also mentioned the possibility of relocating the severely injured to other medical facilities, if required. He further clarified that the fire exclusively damaged the Quality Control Lab.

Dr. Ramesh from Victoria Hospital confirmed that the patients, though bearing deep injuries, are currently in stable condition. “We have provided all necessary facilities for their treatment,” Dr. Ramesh commented, further noting that subsequent treatment strategies would be determined based on the patients’ health progression and responsiveness.