Eight Students Injured in Kota Hostel Fire; Safety Measures Under Scrutiny

GG News Bureau
Kota, 15th April. A massive fire erupted on Sunday morning at a boys’ hostel in Kota, injuring eight students. Initial reports suggest that the blaze was triggered by a short circuit, prompting the district administration to seal the hostel due to safety violations and the absence of a fire NOC (no-objection certificate).

The incident occurred at the Adarsh Residency hostel in Laxman Vihar, with authorities ordering its closure for non-compliance with safety protocols. This action follows the issuance of notices to approximately 2,200 hostels in Kota-South and Kota-North for similar safety breaches.

According to police officials, the fire, believed to have originated from a short circuit in an electric transformer on the ground floor, led to injuries among the students. While six individuals sustained minor burns and received primary medical treatment at Maharao Bheem Singh Hospital, two students were hospitalized for more severe injuries, including fractures.

Survivors recounted harrowing experiences of escaping the flames, with some forced to jump from the building’s first floor to evade the fire and thick smoke. Despite the swift response of fire tenders, the incident underscores the pressing need for stringent safety measures in residential facilities, particularly in densely populated areas like Kota, known for its coaching institutes.

The sealing of multiple hostels in the vicinity, including Gyandeep and Paras Jeevandeep, further highlights the authorities’ crackdown on safety violations. However, challenges persist in addressing non-compliance issues, particularly during crucial exam periods when students cannot be easily relocated.

Efforts are underway to reassure parents of the affected students about their safety, while the investigation into the fire’s cause continues.