Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh): A major fire broke out late Saturday night at the Mahatma Gandhi Pashu Chikitsalay in Jabalpur's Aadhartal area, destroying veterinary medicines worth lakhs of rupees and triggering panic among nearby residents.
The fire originated in the medicine store room for unknown reasons and quickly intensified. Thick smoke was seen billowing from three windows, creating a hazardous atmosphere.
Emergency services responded promptly. Multiple fire brigade vehicles arrived and managed to bring the blaze under control by around 2 am. Meanwhile, Aadhartal police advised evacuation in the surrounding densely populated area, as the fire caused widespread alarm.
Dr Prafull Moon, Deputy Director of the Animal Husbandry Department, confirmed extensive losses, saying many essential veterinary medicines were destroyed. A committee has been formed to investigate the cause and assess the damage.
CSP Priyanka Kurcham said that a forensic team is examining the site to determine whether the fire was caused by a short circuit or other factors. The investigation will also look into the adequacy of fire safety protocols at the facility.
The incident has raised fresh concerns about disaster preparedness and fire safety standards in government-run institutions.
