AHMEDABAD: A major fire broke out at Aatreya Orchid flats near Indira Bridge and Airport Circle on Tuesday evening, leaving several people injured. The fire, triggered by an explosion in the outdoor unit of an airconditioner, started at around 6.30pm and spread quickly, engulfing multiple floors of the building. It caused widespread panic among residents who were seen making desperate attempts to escape.
Several women were captured on video jumping from the fifth floor, while some were seen throwing their children to safety before leaping off.
Nervous bystanders on the ground attempted to break their fall using mattresses.
“Three women, aged 46, 34 and 14, who jumped off the building, suffered trauma injuries and were brought into the Civil Hospital,” said a senior official at the hospital. The 34-year-old woman remains in critical condition due to internal injuries, while the other two women are stable.
The fire began in a flat on the fourth floor and spread to surrounding flats due to the presence of combustible materials. Firefighters arrived at the scene promptly, with emergency services working tirelessly to control the blaze. Since the fire had rapidly spread by the time they arrived, the operation was more challenging for them.
Around 27 people, including a senior citizen living on the fourth floor, were rescued. Five individuals, including some firefighters and police officers, were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment. Several others suffered minor injuries due to smoke inhalation.
EMRI 108 officials told TOI that a total of three persons who were rescued from the spot were taken to hospitals. Seven others were provided treatment at the spot.
“A total of five ambulances were deployed to ferry the injured and provide first aid to those who suffered minor injuries. Some of the affected include police and fire brigade jawans,” said a senior fire official.
This fire incident follows a similar one reported earlier this month in Khokhra, where women prioritised their children’s safety before making a risky escape. The cause of the fire is under investigation, with authorities checking whether the building’s fire safety systems were functioning properly. As a result of the fire, traffic jams extending up to 1.5km were seen around the Indira Bridge Circle.