Massive Fire at Prayagraj’s Hotel Vitthal International Triggers Panic, Probe Underway Into Cause of Blaze

A massive fire that broke out at Hotel Vitthal International in Prayagraj on Monday has now been brought under control, but questions continue to surround the exact cause of the incident.

Conflicting claims by the hotel management and the electricity department have raised doubts over whether the blaze began from the transformer or inside the hotel building itself.

While the hotel management blamed a faulty transformer for triggering the fire, officials from the electricity department claimed preliminary video evidence suggested the flames first erupted on the upper floors of the hotel before spreading downward and eventually engulfing the transformer.

A joint investigation by the fire department and electrical safety officials is currently underway, and authorities say the final report will determine how and where the fire actually started.

According to Mayo Hall Division Executive Engineer Sandeep Maurya, the electricity department had received information on Monday afternoon regarding a fault in the hotel’s transformer after its DO fuse reportedly blew out.

A technical team was sent to the site, and the issue was rectified. However, shortly afterward, news of the fire was received.

Power department officials stated that videos recorded during the incident showed flames initially emerging from the hotel’s second and third floors, while the transformer caught fire later during the blaze.

Chief Engineer Rajesh Kumar said the hotel operated with an 11 KV transformer and clarified that under high-tension electricity connection rules, the responsibility for maintaining the transformer lies with the consumer.

Meanwhile, Assistant Director of Electrical Safety Hemant Sharma said the exact sequence of events would become clear only after the detailed investigation report is completed.

The fire at the hotel, located next to the iconic Coffee House in the Civil Lines area, created panic across the busy Civil Lines locality.

For nearly four hours, the area witnessed chaos, smoke, and frantic rescue efforts as flames rapidly spread through the building amid strong winds.

The situation became more alarming as the fire threatened nearby commercial establishments and surrounding buildings, forcing authorities to evacuate adjacent properties as a precautionary measure.

Fortunately, the hotel’s entry and exit routes remained accessible during the incident, allowing rescue teams to safely evacuate all 13 guests staying inside the hotel.

Several people rushed out of the building in fear, leaving behind their belongings to save their lives.

Soon after the blaze intensified, air-conditioner compressors installed inside the building began exploding one after another with loud blasts, further increasing panic among residents and bystanders gathered near the site.

The flames eventually spread up to the fourth floor, prompting firefighters to use hydraulic rescue equipment to control the fire from higher levels. Authorities also deployed four ambulances at the scene fearing possible casualties or injuries.

The incident caused extensive damage to the hotel property, with losses estimated to be worth several lakhs of rupees. Two motorcycles parked beneath the hotel building were also destroyed in the fire.

Hotel General Manager Dhananjay Pandey alleged that the transformer had been malfunctioning for the past three to four days and claimed repeated complaints had been made to the electricity department.

According to him, no timely action was taken despite prior warnings.

Following the incident, the Prayagraj Development Authority initiated its own inquiry into the matter.

PDA Vice Chairman Rishiraj directed zonal officials to inspect the site and review the joint investigation report being prepared by the fire services and electrical safety departments.

He said action would be taken if negligence is found at any level.

During the firefighting operation, Chief Fire Officer CM Sharma himself entered the burning hotel along with fire personnel to supervise rescue efforts. While breaking a windowpane during the operation, he suffered a cut injury on his palm.

Due to continuous bleeding, he was given first aid treatment inside an ambulance stationed at the spot.

The incident has also raised serious concerns over the hotel’s fire safety preparedness.

Residents alleged that the building lacked adequate firefighting equipment and emergency arrangements.

Questions were also raised over the operation of a restaurant in the basement area, which, according to locals, violates safety norms and building regulations.

Meanwhile, police and fire department officials said a comprehensive investigation is being conducted to examine both the cause of the fire and possible violations of safety standards within the hotel premises.