A major fire broke out at a paying guest accommodation in Nandini Layout, Bengaluru, in the early hours of Monday, 28 April 2025, forcing more than 30 women residents to leap from the building to escape the rapidly spreading blaze. CCTV footage and videos of the desperate escape — women in nightwear jumping from upper floors amid thick smoke and screams — went viral on social media by Tuesday, reigniting concerns about fire safety standards at PG facilities across the city.

How the Fire Broke Out

According to police, the blaze erupted at approximately 12.40 am and is suspected to have originated from a short circuit in the wiring of a nearby LED banner shop. The fire quickly spread to the adjacent four-storey PG building, engulfing the structure within minutes and filling it with thick, choking smoke. With flames intensifying rapidly and escape routes cut off, several residents were left with no option but to jump from the building to save their lives.

Desperate Escape Caught on Camera

CCTV footage from the area captured young women in night dress jumping to safety as the fire spread floor by floor. The videos, which have since gone viral, show residents screaming, shouting, and crying for help in the chaos. Eyewitnesses said the swift response of local residents — who assisted in rescue efforts before emergency services arrived — helped prevent a larger tragedy. Police officials confirmed that no casualties were reported in the incident.

Safety Compliance Under the Spotlight

The incident has once again raised serious concerns about fire safety protocols at PG accommodations in Bengaluru. This comes amid a broader pattern of safety lapses that authorities have struggled to address. In December 2025, a gas cylinder explosion at a PG in Kundalahalli, Bengaluru, killed a 23-year-old techie and injured three others. The blast, caused by a commercial LPG cylinder, led to a fire inside the building, and subsequent investigation revealed multiple safety violations at the premises. A case was filed against the management, making it one of the most serious PG-related fire tragedies in the city's recent history.

A Pattern of Violations

Following the Kundalahalli tragedy, authorities found that a large number of PG accommodations across Bengaluru lacked basic fire safety measures — including the absence of fire exits, use of illegal kitchens with commercial LPG cylinders, and poor compliance with building regulations. Subsequent inspections led to several PGs being fined or sealed for serious violations, highlighting what critics argue is a systemic failure in regulatory enforcement. The Nandini Layout incident suggests those corrective measures have not been uniformly implemented.

Investigation Underway

Police have confirmed that a further investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess safety compliance at the affected buildings. With video evidence already in the public domain and political pressure mounting, authorities are expected to widen their inspection drive across PG facilities in the city. The outcome of this probe could determine whether stronger regulatory action — or even legislative reform — follows.