Fire at KGBV Hostel in Gurla: 5 Students Hospitalised
In a distressing incident late last night, a fire broke out at the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) hostel in Gurla, leaving five students hospitalised with burn injuries and smoke inhalation. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols in government-run residential schools for underprivileged girls.
What Happened?
According to preliminary reports, the fire started around 11:30 PM in a dormitory on the ground floor. Nearly 60 students were asleep when the flames spread rapidly due to wooden furniture and faulty electrical wiring. Local firefighters took an hour to control the blaze.
Five students, aged 12–14, were rushed to Gurla District Hospital. Two remain critical, while the others are stable. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported.
Eyewitnesses Describe Chaos
A survivor, who wished to remain anonymous, said:
“We woke up to screams and smoke. Some couldn’t find the exit.”
Another student highlighted the lack of fire extinguishers and blocked emergency exits, worsening the evacuation.
Authorities Take Action
- District Collector Ramesh Kumar ordered an immediate probe.
- State Education Minister Priya Sharma announced a safety audit of all KGBV hostels.
Safety Failures Exposed
Initial findings reveal:
⚠️ Blocked emergency exits
⚠️ Non-functional smoke detectors
⚠️ Outdated electrical wiring
Social activist Meena Devi condemned the lapses:
“Many hostels lack basic safety. The government must act now.”
Political Backlash
Opposition leaders slammed the ruling party. MLA Rajiv Tiwari questioned:
“How many more children will suffer due to negligence?”
Protests Erupt
Parents and locals protested outside the hostel, demanding justice and better safety measures. The district administration promised compensation, but the community seeks long-term reforms.
What Next?
Experts call for:
✅ Regular fire drills
✅ Modern safety equipment
✅ Strict enforcement of building codes
The hostel remains closed for damage assessment.
— Reported by NextMinuteNews Team
Follow us for real-time updates on this developing story.
