Massive fire at Iscon Platinum in Ahmedabad leaves one dead, 6 under treatment; 230 rescued

One woman died and 19 people were taken to hospital after a huge fire broke out late on Friday night at Iscon Platinum apartments in Bopal area of Ahmedabad.

The fire caused widespread panic as flames spread from the 8th floor to the 22nd floor of the flat’s ‘M’ tower, trapping hundreds of residents. Over 230 people were successfully rescued by the fire brigade personnel. Six persons are currently undergoing treatment.

The fire began around 10.30pm in the electrical duct on the 8th floor and rapidly spread vertically, engulfing multiple flats and causing extensive damage. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Preliminary investigations suggest potential causes, including an electrical short circuit, a firecracker, or a diya. 

Emergency services, including Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Service officials, Bopal police personnel, and paramedics, responded swiftly. A total of 46 fire personnel, including the chief fire officer and additional chief fire officer, were deployed to manage the situation. Using water cannons and specialised rescue equipment, firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control by 12.45 am, though the cooling process continued until 3.45 am. 

Residents trapped on the upper floors were evacuated through a coordinated effort. Blocks N and M, which share a common terrace, provided an evacuation route for many. Several residents suffered breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation, with elderly individuals particularly affected. 

Among the casualties was a 64-year-old woman, Meenaben Kamleshbhai Shah, who tragically succumbed to severe burn injuries while being taken to the hospital. Of the 19 people hospitalised, 17 were initially treated at Saraswati Hospital, where 11 received outpatient treatment. Six individuals, including four women, one man, and a child, remain hospitalised. Others were shifted to Sola Civil Hospital and CIMS Hospital. 

Dr Haresh Gohil, Superintendent of Saraswati Hospital, said, “Shah was brought dead to the hospital. Currently, three patients are stable and have been moved to the general ward, while three remain under observation in the ICU. None of the patients have burn injuries; they are suffering from internal damage caused by smoke inhalation, which has affected their lungs and throat. They are expected to recover soon with proper treatment.” 

The fire caused extensive damage to the affected flats, destroying walls, ceilings, furniture, and other valuables. 

A resident of the 18th floor recounted the terrifying experience: “My family and I woke up to the smell of smoke and the sound of neighbours screaming for help. We were trapped in our flat for over an hour as the smoke thickened. The fire rescue team eventually saved us and evacuated us safely. It was a horrifying ordeal, and we feel fortunate to have survived.” 

“Displaced residents of the M Block were provided temporary accommodation at the society’s clubhouse, while police officers were stationed on each floor to ensure safety and assist residents in retrieving their essential belongings. Additional arrangements, including tea, snacks, and buses from the Makarba Police Headquarters, were made to support the affected families,” said Bopal Police Inspector B T Gohil.

Local residents revealed that this was the third fire incident at Iscon Platinum, with previous fires reported in the M Block and B Block. 

The fire department and police have launched an investigation into the incident, and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been called to determine the exact cause of the fire. The victim’s body has been sent for post-mortem examination. 

This tragic incident underscores the importance of fire safety measures and the need for stringent enforcement in residential complexes to prevent such disasters in the future.

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