Ahmedabad: Fire breaks out in building on SG Highway, 100 rescued

Ahmedabad: A major fire engulfed the third floor of the B-wing at Solitaire Building in Makarba on SG Highway on Friday afternoon, sparking panic and prompting a large-scale rescue operation by the fire brigade. Officials said the blaze spread rapidly from the third floor to the fourth and fifth floors before it was brought under control. Preliminary investigation suggests that the fire may have been triggered by a short circuit or a lit cigarette.According to the fire officials, about 100 people trapped inside the building were rescued safely, while an individual who suffered respiratory complications was shifted to a hospital after being administered CPR. No casualties were reported.Chief fire officer said that more than 20 fire tenders, hydraulic platforms and nearly 80 firefighters were deployed for the operation. Thick smoke engulfed the building, forcing many office workers to rush towards windows and balconies for safety.The fire reportedly originated around 2.45pm in the office of Geeta Power on the third floor. Witnesses said the flames quickly spread, damaging portions of the upper floors. Glass panels of the commercial tower shattered due to the intense heat, causing panic among employees and bystanders gathered outside.Employees on the third floor said the fire alarm went off suddenly and smoke rapidly filled the corridors, blocking the main exit route. As visibility inside the building fell drastically, those in Rooms ‘302’ to ‘305’ escaped through window partitions. Several IT companies have offices on the affected floors. Fire officials said rescue teams shattered glass partitions and used ladders and hydraulic platforms to evacuate people trapped inside. The operation lasted several hours before the fire was fully brought under control.Fire breaks out at locked flat in Jivraj ParkA fire broke out in a locked apartment on the second floor of Sahajanand Flats in the Jivraj Park area on Friday. Two fire brigade vehicles were rushed to the spot and firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control swiftly. No injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains unknown.Blaze at physiotherapy clinic in AnandnagarA fire incident was reported in a physiotherapy clinic in the Anandnagar area on Friday evening. The incident took place on the third floor of Radha Complex on the 100-ft Ring Road in Anandnagar due to short circuit. As no patient was present during the fire, no casualty was reported, said a fire control officer.