Surat: A fire broke out in a three-storey building in the Seemada area of the city, in which five people were injured and one of the rescued individuals succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment.

As per initial reports, the incident occurred in a ground-plus-three-storey building in Valam Nagar, Seemada, where the top floor was being used for carrying out handwork on sarees, a process involving chemicals. It is believed that the fire started due to the highly flammable chemicals being used.

While mixing the chemicals with gum, a sudden fire broke out and engulfed the building. The fire department was informed and promptly rescued five people from inside the building. The injured were transferred to SMIMER Hospital, where one of them succumbed to his severe injuries. Two other people, including a woman who jumped from a window into a neighbor’s house, were also later taken to the hospital.

Fire Officer Jagdish Patel stated that the team arrived at the scene promptly after receiving the call. The fire, which broke out in the ground-plus-three-storey building, was brought under control. Due to the chemicals being used, the fire spread rapidly. One person died from severe burns, and five others were injured and transferred to a private hospital for treatment.

Dhawal, a surviving worker, said, “My boss was out for some work when the fire suddenly broke out. Some people got burned. I was inside and escaped by moving from the third floor to the adjacent roof. My wife Sneha was also saved. The application of imitation diamonds was being done in tin sheds.”

Minister of State Praful Panseria visited SMIMER Hospital and spoke with those injured in the fire. He said, “I received news of the incident this morning. Our leader Dineshbhai Desai immediately began efforts to help the locals. Along with the Mayor of Surat, we visited the injured. The fire department’s response was commendable. Necessary instructions have been given for the injured to receive immediate treatment, and all patients are stable. Four of the burn victims have minor injuries. This cottage industry was operating from a small house where diamond work and dyeing of sarees were being carried out. However, a thorough investigation into the exact cause of the fire will be conducted today.” DeshGujarat