INDORE: Twenty people were rescued on Friday after a fire broke out at an electric vehicle showroom in Indore, trapping residents living in flats above the premises, according to police and fire officials.
The fire was reported at about 7 a.m. in the Lasudia area near Khalsa Chowk. Preliminary findings suggest a short circuit may have triggered the blaze, although the exact cause remains under investigation.
Residents on the upper floors were asleep when smoke began filling the building. Many woke up struggling to breathe and discovered flames rising from the showroom below. The main staircase, located adjacent to the showroom, became inaccessible as it was engulfed by smoke and fire.
Neighbours from a nearby residential building responded to calls for help and assisted rescue efforts by arranging ladders and ropes. Residents were directed to the rooftop, where ladders were used to create a temporary passage between the two buildings. Some people crossed to safety via the adjoining roof, while others were lowered using ropes.
Fire officials said no casualties were reported. The blaze was brought under control within about an hour using two water tankers.
Although the fire did not spread to the residential flats, all electric two-wheelers displayed in the showroom were destroyed, officials said.
Residents said they became aware of the incident after hearing shouting from outside. Emergency responders and local residents worked together to evacuate those trapped inside the building.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.
