Fire engulfs Patratu Thermal Power Station

Ranchi, Aug 11 (UNI) A massive fire that caught in Patratu Thermal Power Station last night continue to spread today with thick smoke billowing from burnt cables suffocating several people and destroying property worth several crores.

A security officer monitoring the fire control operation told UNI that about eight fire tenders have been pressed into service to control further spread of fire, which is confined to unit number IX and X of the station.

The scene has turned worse as thick black smoke continue to billow from the burnt cables making it impossible for men on operation to breathe properly, he said adding more fire tenders are being rushed from neighbouring Ranchi, Hazaribagh and Bokaro.

The cause of the fire is stated to be short circuit in the underground cables at unit no IX. The fire which erupted at around 2100 hrs last night later surfaced engulfing the tranformer of the unit. Then it spread to unit number X, the official said.

When attempts were made to contact PTPS General Manager P M Singh, the control room concerned told UNI that he had fallen unconscious due to suffocation.

Many have lost consciousness due to the smoke, the sources said.

The exact loss of the property is yet to be ascertained, officials said adding it might run into crores of rupees.

With fire raging at the major thermal project at Patratu, the capital town suffered power cut last night.

However, 40 mw was managed from Chandil loop line for VIP localities, railways etc.

UNI PRS KK RD MS RK1350