Ghaziabad high-rise blaze guts seven luxury flats, no casualties

A devastating fire engulfed multiple luxury apartments at the upscale Gaur Green Avenue residential complex in Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram on Wednesday morning, gutting at least seven flats across the ninth to eleventh floors and affecting five adjacent units.

Timely evacuation, in-house fire safety systems and rescue efforts by residents themselves ensured no lives were lost. This correspondent visited the scene and found the blaze was first noticed by the society’s security guards at around 8.30 am.

Two survivors, Ajay Sharma and Sarika (resident of same block) said the fire broke out in flat no. 943 of D Block, which they claimed belonged to Mr Paliwal.

Locals said thick smoke and flames quickly spread upwards within minutes, engulfing upper floors and threatening adjoining apartments.

Panic gripped residents as smoke filled corridors and balconies, but the society’s fire alarm and water hose systems were activated promptly, enabling residents and maintenance staff to mount an initial response.

Residents said security personnel rushed to the affected floor immediately after spotting smoke and attempted to contain the fire using on-site extinguishers.

Although fire services worked to control the blaze, residents said responders initially faced difficulties due to a lack of high-reach ladders for the upper floors, prompting residents to assist in rescue efforts.

‘The Tribune’ learned the flat where the fire is believed to have originated belongs to a person who lives in another block of the same society.

The exact cause of the fire remains unclear, though some residents suspect an electrical short circuit or chemicals stored inside the flat for construction work.

One resident referred to the flat as a “sheesh-mahal” due to its prolonged construction and lavish interiors.

At the time of the fire, the flat was locked from the outside, locals said. Firefighters had to break open the door to gain access and carry out operations.

Chief fire officer of Ghaziabad, Rahul Kumar, said: “A call was received around 8.50 am, after which more than 17 fire-fighting vehicles, including support units from neighbouring Gautam Budh Nagar, were rushed to the society. Hydraulics and rescue teams were also deployed.”

As the fire spread through upper floors, simultaneous evacuation operations were carried out to rescue those trapped inside. Residents moved families to safety via stairwells while efforts to control smoke continued.

One resident said the building’s internal fire preparedness played a key role in preventing a greater tragedy.

Residents credited the society management and recently serviced firefighting systems for helping contain the blaze until emergency teams took over.

Several flats suffered extensive fire damage, while neighbouring homes were heavily affected by smoke and heat. Charred balconies, broken windows and blackened walls were visible hours after the fire was brought under control.

The blaze was fully doused after nearly three hours of operations.

However, residents raised concerns over whether external firefighting equipment was sufficient for the height of the building, alleging that some systems initially struggled to reach upper floors.

Authorities confirmed that no casualties or major injuries were reported. A detailed inquiry has been ordered to determine the exact cause of the fire and whether any negligence contributed to the incident.