A devastating ambulance fire in Gujarat's Aravalli district early Tuesday morning claimed four lives, including that of a one-day-old newborn and his father, in a tragedy that has shocked the local community.
The Tragic Incident
The horrific incident occurred around 5:30 am near Rana Saiyad Chowkdi, just outside Modasa city. The ambulance was transporting the infant from Rich Hospital in Modasa to Orange Hospital in Ahmedabad for specialized care when it suddenly caught fire due to reasons still unknown.
According to the Accidental Death report filed at Modasa Town police station, Jignesh Mahesh Mochi (38) from Lunawada in Mahisagar was accompanying his one-day-old child when the tragedy struck. Also among the deceased were Dr. Rajkaran Shantilal Retiya (30) from Orange Hospital and nurse Bhuri Raman Manat (23).
Survivors and Rescue Efforts
The ambulance driver, Ankit Rama Thakore (24), managed to stop the vehicle and escape with minor injuries along with two other passengers in the front cabin - the child's uncle, Gaurangkumar Mahesh Mochi (40), and grandmother, Geeta alias Jayshree Mahesh Mochi (60).
Tragically, the four individuals in the rear cabin could not escape the rapidly spreading blaze. The Modasa fire brigade responded promptly to the emergency, but the intensity of the fire prevented any rescue of those trapped in the back of the ambulance.
Investigation Underway
CCTV footage from a nearby petrol pump captured the chilling moment when the ambulance passed by completely engulfed in flames, providing crucial evidence for investigators.
Authorities have launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire. The sudden nature of the blaze and its rapid spread have raised serious questions about vehicle safety standards, particularly for emergency medical transport.
The three survivors are currently undergoing medical treatment for their injuries while the community mourns the devastating loss of four lives in this unprecedented tragedy.
