Patna, Apr 25 : At least six people were killed and 20 injured in a major fire at Pal Hotel near Patna junction on Thursday.

Town Police Superintendent (Central) Chandra Prakash confirmed the six casualties.

The deceased were three women and as many men, who were yet to be identified.

According to police, the fire prima facie broke out due to short circuit after which the cylinder kept in the hotel exploded causing massive fire that engulfed all the four floors of the hotel.

The blaze also impacted adjoining buildings, he said.

Soon after getting the information, the fire brigade along with eight fire tenders and fire fighting personnel reached the spot and rescued 45 people, but two succumbed on the spot.

Others who had sustained burn injuries were rushed to the hospital, where four succumbed during treatment.

The flames were doused after two hours of struggle.

UNI