3 Charred to Death, One Injured as Fire Breaks Out in 12-Storey Residential Building in Rajkot

Rajkot: Three people were killed and one injured after a massive fire broke out in a 12-storey residential building in Rajkot on Friday morning. The blaze, triggered by a short circuit in a sixth-floor apartment of Atlantis Tower on the 150 Feet Ring Road, spread quickly, trapping several residents inside. Firefighters rescued over 40 people as thick smoke engulfed the upper floors. The fire was brought under control by noon, but not before claiming lives.

Firefighters and police rushed to the scene, rescuing over 40 residents who were trapped inside as thick smoke engulfed the upper floors. The fire was brought under control by noon, but by then, lives had already been lost.

Victims Identified, One Yet to Be Named

Among the three deceased, two have been identified as Kalpesh Leuva and Mayur Leuva. The third victim’s identity is yet to be confirmed. Authorities revealed that two of the deceased were outsiders who had come to the building for work.

Meanwhile, one injured resident was rushed to the hospital and is undergoing treatment. Officials have yet to disclose further details about their condition.

Massive Rescue Operation Saves Dozens

Assistant Commissioner of Police BJ Chaudhary confirmed that around 40 residents were successfully rescued from the fire-stricken building. Five of them, trapped on the upper floors, were brought down using the fire brigade’s hydraulic crane.

“We have rescued nearly 40 people stranded on the upper floors due to thick smoke. Further investigation is underway,” Chaudhary told PTI. 

Officials have urged residents to be cautious and ensure that fire safety measures, such as emergency exits and fire extinguishers, are in place and functional.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine whether there were any lapses in safety protocols and if the building management was adequately prepared for such emergencies.