Major Fire Erupts in Rajkot High-Rise Basement, 20 Two-Wheelers Destroyed
A significant fire broke out in the basement of a high-rise residential tower located on the Kankot-Mavdi Main Road in Rajkot, resulting in the complete destruction of at least 20 parked two-wheelers. The blaze, which occurred in the early hours, is suspected to have been triggered during the charging of an electric vehicle, according to preliminary investigations by local authorities.
No Casualties Reported; Residents Safely Evacuated
Fortunately, there were no casualties or injuries reported from the incident. Fire and police personnel acted swiftly to evacuate three ailing and specially-abled residents who were trapped inside their flats on the eighth and ninth floors. Using stretchers, these individuals were carefully brought down and subsequently shifted to their relatives' homes via the 108 ambulance service, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Investigation Underway to Determine Exact Cause
Inspector D M Haripara from the Rajkot City Taluka Police station informed that reports have been requested from the Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Limited (PGVCL) and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) to ascertain the precise cause of the fire. Prima facie, the blaze is believed to have originated from a short circuit, potentially linked to the charging of an electric vehicle parked in the basement area. However, other potential causes of short circuits are also being thoroughly examined as part of the ongoing probe.
Rapid Response and Fire Control Efforts
Fire officer Jaypalsinh Zala detailed that the Mavdi Fire Station received an emergency call around 12:40 am. The firefighting team reached the location within four to five minutes and immediately commenced dousing operations. The fire was successfully brought under control within 25 to 30 minutes, preventing further damage to the building and its residents. Additionally, the fire department conducted thorough checks on the first floor to ensure no one else was trapped.
Safety Measures and System Verification
Upon receiving information about the blaze, multiple teams from the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) fire department, the 108 emergency service, and the city taluka police rushed to the scene. As a precautionary measure, the building's power supply was promptly shut down to mitigate any additional risks. Authorities are also verifying the functionality of the installed fire safety systems within the building, as part of the comprehensive investigation into the incident.
This incident highlights critical concerns regarding fire safety protocols in residential high-rises, particularly in areas where electric vehicles are charged. The investigation continues to gather evidence and analyze factors to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
