Rampur, Uttar Pradesh: A fire broke out early Thursday morning at the Bank of Baroda branch in Rathonda, located on Bilaspur Road in Milak. The fire caused significant damage to the bank’s interior, destroying computers, furniture, air conditioners, and important paper documents. Fortunately, the fire did not spread to the strong room where the bank’s cash was stored, preventing a major financial loss.
The incident occurred at around 6:00 AM when passersby noticed smoke coming from the bank. They quickly alerted others, and soon a bank employee arrived to unlock the branch. Upon entering, the employee found the premises filled with smoke and saw that a fire was burning inside. The employee immediately contacted the branch manager, Vijay Anand, who arrived shortly afterward.
The branch manager promptly called the fire brigade and informed the district bank management about the situation. By 8:00 AM, the district lead bank manager, Madan Mohan Prasad, arrived at the scene to assess the damage. After inspecting the area, he confirmed that the fire was caused by a short circuit near the bank’s electricity panel. This caused the front ceiling of the bank to catch fire.
As the fire spread, it reached the computers and office furniture located beneath the ceiling, and several other items, including documents and the air conditioner, were completely destroyed. The cashier counter on one side of the branch was also damaged. Despite the extensive damage to the bank’s property, it was reassuring that the bank had installed fire safety equipment, which likely helped prevent even greater destruction.
Manager Madan Mohan Prasad also stated that a team from the Regional Office would visit the branch soon to assess the full extent of the damage.
