A joyous wedding celebration turned into a scene of terror and chaos when a massive fire erupted at the popular Jasmine Palace banquet hall in Panchkula's Sector 4 on Friday evening. The blaze, which started around 8:30 PM during peak wedding festivities, sent approximately 20 guests to the hospital with various injuries.
According to eyewitness accounts, panic spread rapidly as thick smoke began billowing through the decorated hall filled with wedding attendees. "We suddenly saw smoke coming from one side of the hall, and within minutes, there was complete chaos," recounted one guest who wished to remain anonymous. "People started running towards exits, screaming and trying to help each other."
Emergency Response and Rescue Operations
Fire department officials confirmed receiving multiple distress calls around 8:35 PM. Multiple fire tenders were immediately dispatched from nearby stations in Panchkula and Chandigarh. The rescue operation involved:
- Six fire tenders working simultaneously to douse the flames
- Local police establishing security cordons
- Ambulances transporting injured guests to nearby hospitals
- Civilian volunteers assisting in evacuation efforts
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two hours before bringing it under complete control. Preliminary investigations suggest the fire might have originated from an electrical short circuit in the decorative lighting, though official confirmation is still awaited.
Aftermath and Safety Concerns
The incident has raised serious questions about fire safety protocols at popular banquet halls in the Tricity area. Most injured guests suffered from smoke inhalation and minor burns, with medical officials confirming that all are in stable condition.
Local authorities have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident and promised strict action against any safety violations. This fire incident serves as a stark reminder about the importance of proper fire safety measures at crowded venues, especially during celebratory events that attract large gatherings.
