Gas leak triggers fire at women’s hostel in Odisha’s Berhampur; inmates escape unhurt

A major fire broke out at a working women’s hostel near Forest Bungalow Road in Berhampur on Thursday morning, after a suspected gas leak from a cooking cylinder. Around 15 to 20 women staying at the facility managed to rush out in time, narrowly escaping injury, said sources.

According to eyewitness accounts, the incident occurred while cooking was underway. Gas leaking from an LPG cylinder is believed to have triggered the blaze, which quickly spread to the room, gutting furniture and other belongings. Panic gripped the area as thick smoke billowed out and residents of nearby houses gathered outside.

Fire Services Bring Flames Under Control

On being alerted, a team from the Fire Services Department reached the spot and contained the blaze before it could spread further.

Officials confirmed that no inmates sustained injuries, but household materials and personal items inside the hostel room were destroyed.

Second Fire Incident In City Within 72 Hours

The hostel fire comes close on the heels of another blaze at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur on late Monday night. A short circuit in the biochemistry laboratory of the Nidan Kendra building sparked the incident, which spread to the examination hall. Firefighters battled the flames for over two hours.

Laboratory instruments, diagnostic equipment and chemical stocks were damaged in the hospital fire. Some staff members complained of suffocation but later recovered.

An official inquiry has been initiated to assess the extent of the damage and its impact on healthcare services at the state-run facility.