Surat, April 11, 2025 — A fire broke out on Friday morning in a multi-storey residential building in Surat's Vesu area, prompting a swift rescue operation that saved 18 people stranded on the rooftop. According to officials, no injuries were reported in the incident.
The fire started around 8 a.m. on the seventh floor of the "Happy Excellencia" building and quickly spread to the two floors above. As per agency report, Surat Mayor Dakshesh Mavani confirmed that the local fire brigade managed to bring the situation under control and successfully evacuated all residents from the building, including those trapped on the roof.
Gujarat's Minister of State for Home Affairs, Harsh Sanghavi, who resides opposite the building, rushed to the scene and supervised the ongoing rescue operations. Speaking to reporters, he said that fire personnel first assisted 40 residents in descending the building via the staircase and later rescued the remaining individuals from the rooftop.
One of the residents explained that due to the thick smoke, descending the stairs became impossible, forcing many to seek refuge on the terrace. Firefighters, after extinguishing the flames, helped the trapped individuals down by wrapping their faces with wet towels to prevent smoke inhalation.
Sanghavi, who witnessed the fire while on a morning walk, acted promptly to coordinate with emergency responders. Around 50 fire personnel and five fire engines were deployed to tackle the blaze and ensure everyone's safety.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the cause of the fire, and an investigation is underway. The quick response from the fire department has been widely praised for preventing what could have been a much more serious tragedy.
