Massive Fire Engulfs Bagadia Tower, 50 Rescued As Thick Smoke Traps Women And Children In MP's Ujjain

On Wednesday evening, a devastating fire erupted at Bagadia Tower, a multi-story commercial complex in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. Amidst the blaze, approximately 50 individuals were rescued, with 12 trapped inside due to the smoke and flames. The fire originated on the ground floor of the building, near Old Central Kotwali police station, spreading rapidly to the upper floors within minutes.

Superintendent of Police Pradeep Sharma stated that the shutter of a medical store on the ground floor was closed, causing thick smoke to permeate the ventilation chamber, making the rescue operation extremely challenging.

Rescue efforts involved 40 young men from the Muslim community joining forces with the police, district administration, State Disaster Response Force, and Ujjain Municipal Corporation. A crane was deployed to assist in rescuing those trapped on higher floors, while painters assisted with suspended platforms and ladders. Fireman Abhishek Tiwari successfully rescued a woman with cancer and her daughter, but succumbed to suffocation later.

Despite his efforts, the fire was extinguished after nearly two and a half hours of strenuous rescue operations.

Despite the smoke, 15 people, including women and children, were safely rescued. However, some individuals suffered breathing difficulties and were taken to hospitals for medical attention. The cause of the fire remains undetermined. Alongside Superintendent Pradeep Sharma, Collector Raushan Kumar Singh and MP Anil Firojiya oversaw the rescue operation, with the latter promising to provide Rs 11,000 to the hardworking rescue personnel.

The issue of expired medicines stored in vacant shops within the tower emerged following the fire, with the tower owner accusing the medical store operator of dumping expired medicines in the building.