Narrow lanes, smoke engulfing building: Firefighters recall tough rescue operation

“Since the lanes leading up to the spot were narrow, and a huge crowd had gathered around the spot, it became very difficult for firefighters to navigate…,” said Garg.

Nearly 50 firefighters rushed inside the building and doused the blaze at the electricity meter, following which they began the rescue operation.

“Several students had already managed to get out by using ropes and electric wires to climb down the building. However, the building was full of smoke and those still inside were unable to breathe or see anything… Even we had to come out and breathe fresh air before going inside and continuing the rescue operation,” said a fire official.

Another official said: “We rescued a few students from the stairs while some of them were rescued using ladders… all the while, we had to assuage the students’ fears. The fire

was not that major, but the smoke it left in its wake was suffocating.”

Another fire official said, “A few students had almost fallen unconscious. We carried them to ambulances. We were helped by local people and fellow students who assisted those trapped with ropes and mattresses as landing pads.”