Ambulances wait on the Patna Medical College and Hospital campus. Telegraph picture

Patna, Oct. 12: Police have threatened to crackdown on ambulances running on LPG and directed hospitals and private nursing homes to get rid of such vehicles at the earliest.

The police’s decision comes three days after a fire broke out in a nursing home following an explosion on an ambulance in the Kadamkuan area. The ambulance was fitted with an LPG cylinder.

The police have decided to launch the crackdown in the capital from next week. Ambulance operators found violating the order will be arrested under Section 286 of IPC, which calls for action against negligence with explosive substances.

“The notice has been issued to all police stations and sectors in-charge in the Patna central area. The police will not start the drive immediately. We have given enough time to the ambulance operators and want them to make necessary arrangements. We will launch the drive from next week and seize all ambulances fitted with LPG cylinders,” city central superintendent of police Shivdeep Lande said.

The officer added that the police would alert nursing homes and hospitals about the new directions and they must abide by the order.

“This is a serious problem that can lead to fatal disasters any moment. Three days ago, a fire broke out in the BP Nursing Home following a blast on an ambulance that was fitted with an LPG cylinder. A portion of the building was gutted. Fortunately, there was no casualty. The incident proves how dangerous such vehicles can be. Such accidents can occur anytime. There have been similar accidents in other parts of the country as well,” Lande added.

Besides the fuel check, the police will verify licences and necessary permits of various private ambulance operators.

“Each day, over 1,000 ambulances reach Patna from different districts. This is apart from the ambulances that ply in the city daily. At present, several private vehicles are being used as ambulances. We will check their permits and other necessary documents,” Lande said.

“The drive will be carried out in phases. We cannot stop all the vehicles at one go as such an action will create difficulties for the residents to shift patients to hospital. We have asked all police stations to prepare a detailed plan to implement the decision,” the officer added.

In May, four residents of Tripolia in Alamganj were arrested from Kargil Chowk for carrying firearms in an ambulance.

The gas problem

Cops to crackdown on ambulances running on LPG from next week

Ask hospitals and private nursing homes to get rid of such vehicles at the earliest

Operators flouting the order will be arrested under Section 286 of IPC

Police will also verify licences and permits of private ambulance operators

Three days ago, a fire broke out in a nursing home following an explosion on an ambulance fitted with an LPG cylinder in Kadamkuan area