Cuttack, April 28: A major tragedy was averted thanks to timely intervention by a group of parents after a fire broke out at Rajabagicha D.A.V. Public School today.

Though there was no casualty in the mishap, the fire has raised questions about the existing fire safety arrangements. The school has only two entry and exit points and one staircase for evacuation in case of such exigencies. A few of the fire extinguishers at the school did not function when efforts were made to douse the flames.

Official sources said the fire originated in the electrical control room located on the school premises.

“There was smoke all over the place and we were asked by our teachers to run out to the open space outside the school,” said Bijay Patnaik, a Class II student.

The classrooms and the office of the headmistress are located just 50 metres away from the electrical control room.

“School had just started and I had returned home after dropping my son Om Abhisekh. Within a few minutes I heard a lot of noise and rushed towards the school,” said Pratap Mohanty, a guardian who stays near the school.

Mohanty said he and some others succeeded in dousing the flames but as the electricity supply in main line was not snapped, fire broke out again due to short-circuit.

Around 1,500 children go to Rajabagicha D.A.V School.

Though the parents heaved a sigh of relief, they were worried about the inadequate fire safety arrangements.

School headmistress Sunanda Mohanty said the school had seven fire extinguishers and steps had been taken to procure additional equipment.