Chaos erupted on Patna’s Atal Path Saturday as an ambulance en route to a hospital ignited while in motion, leading to a patient’s bold escape by jumping out. Quick action by fire crews prevented a worse outcome, but the event exposed vulnerabilities in emergency response vehicles.
The ambulance was hurtling along the elevated highway when drivers noticed smoke trailing behind it. Within seconds, fire licked the sides, filling the cabin with toxic fumes. In a split-second decision, the patient hurled himself from the still-moving van, rolling onto the pavement and alerting others.
Firefighters tackled the blaze efficiently, though the vehicle sustained heavy damage. No casualties were reported, a relief amid the pandemonium that halted traffic in both directions. Preliminary reports hint at a possible short circuit exacerbated by high speed.
As videos of the incident go viral, the focus shifts to safety standards for medical transport. The patient’s resourcefulness has inspired many, prompting calls for better training and equipment upgrades. Patna administration promises a detailed review to safeguard lives on the road.