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Journalism of Courage
Residents of Marvel Ideal Society in Undri described scenes of panic and desperation after a fire broke out in flat 1201 on the 12th floor of the 14-storey building on Friday afternoon.
With fire brigade hoses unable to reach the affected floor due to low water pressure, residents said they quickly formed a human chain to pass buckets of water up to the 12th floor in an attempt to control the blaze.
“My brother, Mrinal Kanishk, was part of the chain. They tried to break open the door of the flat for nearly 20 minutes. Small explosions kept happening inside, bulbs, AC… and then suddenly a loud cylinder blast. That engulfed everyone standing close by. My brother has first-degree burns, and several others are also in hospital,” said Kunal Kanishk, Mrinal’s brother.
He also added that the people came forward to help without any hesitation during the helpless situation as the smoke spread through the air.
Another resident recalled the chaos, “We had no other option. The fire brigade could not get water pressure up to the floor where the it started. People had to help themselves, passing buckets of water as fast as they could.”
Neighbours also described the tragic circumstances of the 15-year-old boy who lost his life. “I am not sure, but from what I have heard, the kid was alone at home. His mother was out of town and his father was away. We think he may have fallen unconscious before anyone could reach him,” said an official of the society to the Indian Express.
Several residents reported hearing small explosions inside the flat before the gas cylinder exploded. “There were loud bangs from the kitchen and other electrical appliances. It was terrifying. There was an attempt to break the door for quite some time,” said another neighbour.
Despite the danger, residents praised the bravery of neighbours who rushed to help. “It was a terrifying situation, but people didn’t wait. Everyone tried to do what they could to save the boy and control the fire,” said another resident.
The writer is an intern with The Indian Express
