Ahmedabad: Panic swept through Purvi Tower, a high-rise residential building near Subhash Chowk, after a fire broke out on the 8th floor on Thursday. The incident triggered a large-scale emergency response, with over 20 residents rescued in a dramatic operation involving hydraulic lifts and ladders.
Initial reports suggest the fire was caused by an explosion in an air conditioner compressor. The situation escalated quickly when two gas cylinders inside the affected apartment also burst, intensifying the flames and sending smoke through upper floors. Residents from the 9th and 10th floors, unable to escape through the main stairwell, were led to the rooftop by emergency personnel. From there, firefighters used a snorkel ladder to safely lower them to the ground. Among those rescued were children and elderly residents.
Within minutes of the fire being reported, 15 fire engines arrived at the scene. Senior officials from the fire department and police, including DCP Safin Hasan, coordinated efforts to manage the crowd and secure the area. Roads around the building were temporarily closed as a safety measure.
Chief Fire Officer Amit Dongre confirmed that more than 20 people were successfully evacuated. Fortunately, no injuries or fatalities have been reported. Firefighters managed to contain the blaze before it could spread further. An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the damage.
