A major fire broke out at a wooden goods warehouse in Ahmedabad on Sunday, triggering a massive emergency response and leading to a dramatic rescue operation for trapped individuals.
Intense Blaze Engulfs Decades-Old Structure
The fire erupted at a godown located within the Ambika Estate on Naroda Road. Flames quickly engulfed the 3-storey structure, which is reported to be approximately 35 to 40 years old. The scale of the blaze necessitated an immediate and large-scale response from the city's fire services.
Dramatic Rescue Amidst Flames and Smoke
Officials confirmed that at least five people were trapped inside the building when the fire started. In a challenging operation, firefighters managed to successfully evacuate all those trapped. They rescued three individuals, including two men who were reportedly asleep inside the rented godown at the time the fire broke out.
All three rescued persons suffered severe burn injuries and were rushed to Civil Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Their condition was stated to be critical following the incident.
Cause and Challenges in Containing the Fire
Fire officials pointed to the contents of the warehouse as a key reason the blaze spread with such speed and intensity. The presence of dry wood and chemical materials stored on the premises acted as potent fuel. Thick, billowing smoke and intense heat posed significant challenges for rescue teams during the initial stages of the operation.
The owner of the warehouse, Brijesh Mehta, informed reporters that he had been operating the unit on rent for the past five years. He was not in the city at the time of the incident. "I had gone to Saharanpur for estate-related work two days ago," Mehta said. "Two workers came to Ahmedabad on Saturday and were resting in the godown in the afternoon when the fire broke out. I received a call informing me about the blaze."
While the fire has been brought under control, complete cooling operations are still underway to prevent any potential flare-ups. A senior fire officer confirmed that the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. The emergency response involved a significant force, with ten fire brigade vehicles rushed to the spot to combat the flames.
