Surat: A major fire broke out at a bungalow in Bhaktinandan Residency in the Mota Varachha area of Surat late last night. However, a major tragedy was averted after the fire department swiftly rescued all occupants trapped inside the house.

According to officials, the fire started around 2:35 am in the ground-plus-two-storey bungalow, reportedly due to a short circuit on the ground floor. The blaze quickly spread in the parking area, reducing one car, six two-wheelers and two bicycles to ashes.

Family members inside the house were trapped as the fire intensified. On receiving the alert, teams from the Surat Fire Department rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation. Deputy Fire Officer Prakash Hedau and Sub Fire Officer Siddharth Gadhvi also reached the site to supervise the operation.

Firefighters first rescued three children who were sleeping in a bedroom near the parking area. A 96-year-old man was later evacuated from the first floor along with two others. Another person trapped on the second floor was brought down safely using a ladder from the rear side of the building.

After sustained efforts, the fire brigade brought the blaze under control, and no injuries or casualties were reported in the incident. DeshGujarat