Massive Fire Erupts In Ahmedabad Residential Building, Residents Leap From Balconies To Escape

Ahmedabad: Panic swept through the Aatrey Orchid Society near Indira Bridge on Tuesday evening when a massive fire broke out in a residential building. The blaze, which started in a flat on the fourth floor of D-wing, quickly spread to the fifth floor, prompting terrified residents to leap from balconies to save themselves.

According to initial reports, the fire was triggered by an overheated air conditioner. The flat, packed with flammable furniture, fueled the flames, which rapidly engulfed adjacent apartments and upper floors.

In a desperate bid to survive, at least three residents jumped from their balconies. All were seriously injured, and one woman, now in critical condition, has been placed on a ventilator in the ICU at Asarwa Civil Hospital. A video capturing her fall has since gone viral on social media. Local residents rushed to help, using bed sheets and cushions to break the fall of those jumping from the upper floors.

The fire department received the emergency call around 6 PM. Firefighters arrived shortly after and managed to rescue 27 people from the burning building. However, residents expressed frustration over the fire team’s lack of adequate high-rise rescue equipment, which delayed containment efforts. Despite the challenges, including intense heat and difficult access to upper floors, the fire crew worked tirelessly. Eleven firefighters suffered minor burns during the operation.

Authorities have confirmed that all residents were evacuated safely, though several remain hospitalized. The cause of the fire is under investigation.