Woman who jumped from balcony during fire at Aatrey Orchid in Ahmedabad dies

Panic and chaos unfolded at Aatrey Orchid apartments near Indira Bridge in the Hansol area of Ahmedabad on Tuesday afternoon after a massive fire broke out, forcing several residents to jump from the fourth floors to escape the blaze.

One such resident, identified as Vinita Ramchandani, 52, who jumped from the fourth floor, passed away on Wednesday. Ramchandani was under treatment at a nearby hospital after suffering severe injuries from her fall.

According to reports, four other residents are currently hospitalised after the fire took place on the fourth floor and spread afterwards.

The fire reportedly originated in the outdoor unit of an air-conditioner in flat number 404 on the fourth floor and rapidly spread to the fifth and sixth floors. The flat was fully furnished, so it is suspected that flammable interiors might have accelerated the spread of the fire. Thick smoke could be seen from a distance, drawing large crowds to the scene.

As flames engulfed the upper floors, at least four residents leapt from the fourth floor in a desperate attempt to save themselves. Local residents gathered in the building’s compound, using mattresses, bedsheets and cushions to break the fall of those jumping.

Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services personnel, including a division fire officer, arrived at the site but faced criticism from residents for arriving without sufficient high-rise rescue equipment.

Eleven firefighters sustained minor burn injuries during the rescue operation due to the intense heat and fire flashes but continued their efforts to bring the situation under control.

The individuals injured in the incident were rushed to Apollo Hospital and Asarwa Civil Hospital for treatment.

Fire officials confirmed that 27 people were safely rescued from the building.