Ghaziabad: A massive fire at Gaur Green Avenue Society in Indirapuram on Wednesday morning triggered panic across the residential complex after flames rapidly spread through multiple flats in D-Block. Thick black smoke engulfed the building within minutes, forcing residents to flee in a desperate attempt to save their lives.
The situation turned critical around 8:30 AM
According to residents, everything appeared normal until around 8:30 am when electricity suddenly went out. Initially, people assumed it was a routine power cut. However, within moments, smoke was seen rising from D-Block and the fire quickly intensified. Towering flames became visible from a distance while dense smoke spread across the society, creating chaos and fear among residents.
Fire spread within minutes
Eyewitnesses said the blaze spread so rapidly that several families got trapped inside their flats without enough time to escape. Panic gripped the entire building as residents rushed downstairs to save themselves and their families.
Children were carried in arms, elderly residents were helped down staircases, and many people covered their faces with wet towels to protect themselves from the smoke.
Resident Suresh Kumar Sharma said a loud sound was heard moments before smoke filled the flat within seconds. Another resident, Alok Agrawal, said visibility outside had dropped drastically due to thick black smoke.
Fire brigade launches major rescue operation
As soon as information about the incident reached authorities, fire brigade teams rushed to the spot and immediately began rescue operations.
Fire personnel divided themselves into multiple teams and broke open the doors of nearly six flats to rescue trapped residents. Despite intense heat and heavy smoke, firefighters continued entering the affected floors to evacuate people safely.
The situation was especially challenging on the upper floors. A sick woman trapped on the 10th floor was rescued carefully, while an elderly man on oxygen support from the 11th floor had to be brought down through the staircase in a high-risk operation.
Officials managed to rescue several residents in time, preventing a potentially larger tragedy.
Residents show humanity during crisis
Amid the terrifying situation, residents came together to support affected families. Some arranged food and water while others provided clothes and temporary shelter inside their homes.
The society community stood united like one family during the emergency.
Flat reduced to ashes in 50 minutes
Preliminary information suggests the fire originated in a ninth-floor flat where interior construction and woodwork had reportedly been going on for a long time.
Residents said the flat, reportedly built over five years of effort, was completely destroyed within nearly 50 minutes. Several nearby flats also suffered severe damage. Glass windows shattered in many apartments and cracks appeared in some walls due to the intensity of the fire.
Families lose homes and essential belongings
Many families lost household items, important documents, furniture and children’s study material in the fire. Several residents were seen in shock as they watched their homes burn before their eyes.
Questions raised over construction safety
Residents alleged that construction work had been continuing in the flat from where the fire reportedly started and complaints regarding safety concerns had allegedly been raised earlier as well. Following the incident, serious questions are now being raised over safety compliance and monitoring within the society.
Insurance claims and damage assessment begin
After the incident, affected residents started informing their insurance companies while damage assessment processes began. Families are now gathering surviving documents and preparing compensation claims as authorities continue the investigation into the cause of the fire.