3 deliverymen die in Rajkot residential building blaze

Rajkot: Rajkot witnessed another fire tragedy when a major blaze erupted in a 12-storey residential building on the posh 150-ft Ring Road on Dhuleti, claiming the lives of three deliverymen.
The fire broke out on the sixth floor of Atlantis building whose society administrators had not renewed their fire NOC for a decade despite two notices from the civic body.
The victims — Ajay Makwana (31), Kalpesh Leva (29) and his cousin Mayur Leva (27) — were caught in the inferno while delivering orders. The Leva brothers, natives of Una in Gir Somnath, lived as paying guests in Rajkot. Makwana had gone to the 10th floor, while the Leva brothers were on the 8th floor when the fire broke out.
While descending in the lift, they became trapped as electricity was cut due to the fire. When the lift stopped at the nearest floor, they took the stairs, unaware of the spreading smoke. Asphyxiation due to the dense smoke proved fatal.
Authorities said no one lived on the sixth floor, and residents below quickly evacuated upon noticing the smoke. Those on the 7th floor and above rushed to the terrace and escaped via a common passage to the adjacent tower. Around 30-35 people were inside the building at the time of fire.
Deputy commissioner of police (DCP) Jagdish Bangarwa told TOI, "We have asked the building management to provide the fire NOC and sought a report from PGVCL on power fluctuations. A forensic team has also been involved. Once negligence is established, we will register the offence."
In-charge fire officer of RMC, Ashoksinh Jhala, confirmed that the building's fire system was non-functional. "The NOC was last renewed in 2014. Despite notices issued in 2021 and 2023, no renewal was sought. Since it was a residential premise, no coercive action was taken."
This incident raises serious questions about the RMC's aggressive fire safety enforcement in the wake of last year's TRP Game Zone blaze that claimed 27 lives.
How the Fire Started
Sources suspect an electrical spark in the passage wiring due to power fluctuations or other reasons ignited the fire. The sixth floor was unoccupied, and furniture work was underway in one of the flats. Wooden materials stored in the passage fueled the flames.
Zero Visibility
A 108 emergency ambulance stationed at RMC's west zone office arrived even before a distress call was made. However, due to dense smoke, paramedics could not reach the affected floor. Firefighters had to break glass panels in the passage and stairwell to release smoke before starting their operation. It took them 80 minutes to control the blaze, with five firefighters deployed on-site.
Panic and Rescue Efforts
Chaos erupted in the residential society, which comprises four high-rise towers. Residents fled in panic, many screaming for help. The 108 staff, who arrived first, urged the fire brigade to deploy a hydraulic lift. In desperation, some residents handed over children over walls and gates to neighbors already outside. Five people had to be rescued using the hydraulic lift.