Ghaziabad AC service centre fire kills elderly man, guts building
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
A massive fire broke out at an air conditioner service centre in Patel Nagar, Ghaziabad in the early hours of Saturday, 9 May, killing an 80-year-old man and destroying a three-storey building along with multiple vehicles parked nearby. The blaze, which triggered repeated explosions from AC gas cylinders and compressors, sent thick plumes of black smoke over the densely populated locality and sparked widespread panic among residents.
How the Fire Unfolded
According to fire department officials, the first alert was received at approximately 3:05 am, reporting a fire at plot number F-87, Patel Nagar. Teams from the Kotwali fire station were immediately dispatched with multiple fire tenders. By the time firefighters reached the scene, the entire three-storey structure housing the AC service centre had already been engulfed in flames.
The situation was further complicated by continuous explosions from gas cylinders and AC compressors stored inside the premises, severely hampering both rescue and firefighting efforts. The narrow lanes and tightly packed residential buildings in the area heightened fears that the fire could spread to neighbouring structures.
Large-Scale Firefighting Operation
As the blaze intensified, additional fire engines were requisitioned from the Vaishali, Sahibabad, and Modinagar fire stations. In total, nearly eight fire engines were pressed into service. Firefighters deployed multiple water lines to contain the flames and prevent them from spreading further. After several hours of sustained efforts, officials finally succeeded in bringing the blaze under control.
Elderly Man Found Dead
During a search operation conducted after the flames were extinguished, firefighters recovered the body of an elderly man from the ground floor of the building. He was subsequently identified as Triloki Nath, aged 80. The cause of his presence inside the building at that hour has not been officially confirmed.
Property and Vehicle Damage
The fire caused substantial collateral damage in the surrounding area. Two cars and approximately ten motorcycles parked near the building were completely destroyed. Nearby residential structures also sustained damage, according to officials. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire, and further details are awaited.