Fire engulfs labour colony at New Ranip bullet train site, two firemen hurt

Ahmedabad: A fire broke out late at night at a labour colony established for workers engaged in the bullet train project in the New Ranip area of the city late on Thursday night. The incident affected six rooms within the settlement, resulting in property damage and injuries to two fire personnel involved in controlling the flames, said officers of the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES).
Three fire tenders were dispatched to the scene immediately after receiving the alert. The colony housed approximately 600 workers in small, temporary structures. As the fire spread, the residents evacuated the area, preventing any loss of life. The flames destroyed mattresses, wooden furniture, and other personal belongings stored inside the rooms. Almost the entire labour colony was ultimately destroyed, and no workers suffered any injury.
Firefighters managed to contain the fire before it could spread further. However, during the operation, two fire personnel sustained injuries — one to the leg and another to the hand. Both were provided medical treatment at a nearby private hospital.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Officials will investigate whether safety measures were in place at the site and whether the structures complied with fire regulations. Given the high density of workers in the colony, authorities are expected to assess fire safety protocols to prevent future incidents.
The incident highlights the vulnerability of temporary settlements to fire hazards, said a fire officer. The civic body and the fire authorities will examine the circumstances and take necessary actions to ensure safety compliance at similar locations across the city.