Chennai: A major tragedy was averted due to the quick thinking and action of residents and fire services personnel after a fire broke out in an apartment complex at Padi here.
The incident took place in the 20-storeyed apartment complex, ‘Newry Towers’, located near Lucas Bridge.
Two persons – a man and a woman – reportedly suffered injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
Fire fighters rescued at least 13 persons who were trapped on various floors.
According to sources, fire began spreading from the 18th floor at 6.10 am. In a matter of minutes, a blanket of thick black smoke engulfed the entire building.
Residents left the taps in their apartment open before running out of the building.
Tamilnadu Fire and Rescue Services personnel from eight stations, including Ambattur Industrial Estate, J J Nagar, Villivakkam, Koyambedu and Egmore, were pressed into service.
They rescued 13 persons who were senior citizens, bed-ridden or trapped in their apartments. Hydraulic sky lifts were used to bring them to safety.
It took three hours for the fire tenders to bring the situation under control. A fire officer at the spot lauded the residents for evacuating the building in time without help.
Preliminary inquires revealed that a short circuit on the 18th floor had caused the fire to break out.
The apartment complex where fire mishap happened.