Panic gripped Khoda Colony in Ghaziabad when a ferocious fire broke out in a multi-story apartment complex on Tuesday evening, endangering the lives of nearly 150 people. The inferno ignited on the ground floor around the stairs and power panel, spreading toxic fumes throughout the five-floor building in minutes.
Situated near Golden Palace by Birbal Chowki, the structure is home to dozens of families packed into 40-45 units. As smoke choked the stairwells, residents on upper levels found themselves trapped, screaming for rescue from windows and balconies. The alarm was raised at 11:47 PM, prompting an immediate dispatch from Vaishali Fire Station.
CFO Rahul Pal led a formidable team of 10 fire engines to the site. The scene was dire: flames licking the staircase and electrical area, with suffocating smoke making visibility near zero. Firefighters deployed hydraulic ladders and entered through alternative routes, pulling out men, women, and children amid the haze.
After a tense operation, every single occupant was accounted for and evacuated safely. However, 20 to 22 individuals succumbed to burns and respiratory distress from the smoke, requiring urgent hospitalization. On-ground first aid stabilized the rest. Law enforcement and civic teams arrived swiftly to manage the crisis and assist victims.
Firefighting teams battled for hours before declaring the blaze extinguished. Cause remains under investigation, but electrical faults are prime suspects. This close call has reignited debates on building safety audits, regular maintenance, and the installation of smoke detectors in India’s burgeoning high-rises. Authorities promise a thorough probe and enhanced precautions.