Three from Gujarat’s Amreli die in Ajmer hotel fire

Three Gujaratis were killed in a fire that broke out at Hotel Naaz in Ajmer on Thursday.

The deceased were identified as businessman Alfez Noorani (30) of Amreli, his wife Sabnam (26), and their four-year-old son Arman.

The family had reportedly travelled from Lathi to Ahmedabad to visit relatives and then proceeded to Ajmer to offer prayers at the Ajmer Sharif Dargah. 

After completing their visit on Wednesday, they had planned to return home Thursday night.

According to preliminary reports, the fire that claimed four lives erupted around 8 am on Thursday, possibly due to a short circuit or an air conditioner explosion. The flames quickly engulfed the five-story structure, leaving many guests, primarily pilgrims, trapped inside.

Locals described chaotic scenes as smoke filled the air and panicked guests attempted to escape. Rescue efforts were severely hindered by the narrow approach road to the hotel and ongoing construction in the area.

Despite prompt efforts by emergency teams, several guests sustained serious injuries, while the Noorani family could not be saved due to extensive burns.

In Amreli’s Lathi, the news of the family’s deaths triggered widespread grief. Residents and community leaders expressed shock and sorrow, remembering the Noorani family. 

Ajmer Collector Lok Bandhu stated that all hotel premises had been thoroughly searched and confirmed no more individuals were trapped. “Our focus is now on ensuring the injured receive the best medical care,” he added.

DIG (Deputy Inspector General of Police) Om Prakash noted that some rescue personnel also fell ill due to smoke exposure but are now stable.