A significant fire incident disrupted operations at a branch of the Central Bank of India located in the bustling Maur Mandi area of Bathinda district on Saturday. The blaze, which caused substantial damage to the bank's interior and fixtures, was successfully brought under control by firefighting teams after a strenuous effort. Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported in the incident.
Timeline of the Emergency Response
The fire alarm was raised in the late morning hours. Upon receiving the alert, fire brigade units from Maur Mandi and the surrounding Bathinda district rushed to the scene. Firefighters encountered dense smoke and flames emanating from within the bank premises. Their immediate priority was to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings in the densely populated market area.
Using multiple hoses and firefighting equipment, the teams worked diligently to douse the flames. The operation lasted for several hours before the fire was completely extinguished. Preliminary assessments suggest the fire caused extensive damage to furniture, electronic equipment like computers, and important documents inside the branch.
Cause and Immediate Aftermath
While the exact cause of the fire is yet to be officially determined, initial investigations point towards a possible short circuit in the electrical wiring as the likely origin. Authorities have not ruled out other possibilities, and a detailed investigation by forensic and electrical experts is underway to ascertain the precise reason behind the outbreak.
Following the incident, bank officials and local police cordoned off the area to ensure public safety and to allow for a thorough inspection. The branch operations have been temporarily suspended. Bank management has initiated the process of assessing the total financial loss and is working on plans to restore services for customers, potentially from a temporary location.
Community Impact and Official Statements
The fire caused considerable anxiety among local shopkeepers and residents in Maur Mandi, a key commercial hub. The swift response by emergency services, however, prevented a larger catastrophe. Local authorities have commended the fire department for their prompt and effective action.
Officials from the Central Bank of India have assured account holders that customer data and funds remain secure despite the physical damage. They have advised customers to use neighboring branches or digital banking services until normal operations resume. This incident has also sparked conversations about fire safety compliance in commercial buildings, especially financial institutions housing critical public assets.
