Over 20 Rescued in Major Fire in Ahmedabad

Ahmedabad, Gujarat — Over 20 people were rescued in a major fire that broke out at Purvi Tower near Subhash Chowk in Ahmedabad’s Gurukul area on Wednesday afternoon. The fire erupted on the 8th floor after an air-conditioner compressor exploded, followed by the bursting of two bottles inside the flat, which caused the flames to spread rapidly.

Thanks to swift action by the Ahmedabad Fire Brigade, all residents in the affected flat escaped in time. Firefighters also safely evacuated people from the 9th and 10th floors, many of whom had rushed to the rooftop to avoid the smoke.

“Eight people were rescued using a hydraulic platform cum snorkel, and another 12 to 15 were brought down using ladders. In total, over 20 people were saved, including two children and a woman,” said Chief Fire Officer Amit Dongre.

Fifteen fire tenders and senior fire officials rushed to the scene immediately after receiving the emergency call. Firefighters began battling the blaze using water jets and coordinated rooftop rescue operations.

The narrow road outside Purvi Tower was sealed by police to facilitate rescue operations and ensure safety. “We have deployed local PI, ACP, DCP and traffic teams. The road has been closed as a precautionary measure,” confirmed Traffic DCP Safin Hasan.

Four individuals, including two children and a woman, were brought down safely from the rooftop using snorkels in a dramatic rescue witnessed by a gathering crowd.

No casualties have been reported in the incident, which is being seen as a testament to the fire brigade’s quick and effective response. “The fire spread rapidly, but the coordination between our teams and the equipment at hand helped avoid a tragedy,” Dongre added.