Today afternoon people of Aatrey Orchid apartments near Indira Bridge in Hansol area when a massive fire broke out, forcing many residents to jump from the 4th floors to escape from the fire. At least 4 people sustained injuries and 27 others were rescued in a dramatic firefighting and evacuation operation. Fire ignited in the outdoor unit of an AC Air-Conditioner in flat number 404 on 4th floor and rapidly spread to 5th and 6th floors.
The flat was fully furnished, so it is suspected that flammable interiors might have accelerated the spread of the fire. Big flames were visible from a distance, telling about the incident. As flames reached upper floors, at least 4 residents jumped down from the 4th floor in a desperate attempt to save themselves. Local residents gathered in the building’s compound, using mattresses, bed sheets and cushions to protect the fall of those jumping, preventing further injuries or fatalities. Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services team reached the site but arrived without sufficient high-rise rescue equipment. Eleven firefighters sustained minor burn injuries during the rescue operation due to the intense heat and fire flashes but continued their efforts to extinguish the fire.The 4 persons injured in the incident were rushed to Apollo Hospital and Asarwa Civil Hospital for treatment. No casualities have been reported till now.
