A terrible fire erupted at the Annapurna Girls Hostel in Greater Noida on Thursday night, prompting a panicked response from all students. Students escaped the flames by jumping from the second-floor balcony due to a fire that started because an air conditioner (AC) compressor exploded. The dramatic video of the incident continues to spread online, although it demonstrates the pressing need to improve fire protection standards in housing facilities.
A power failure occurred after the air conditioner compressor experienced an explosion. The fire started at 5:25 PM in the evening when a second-floor AC compressor exploded, thus initiating a quick fire expansion and smoke spread throughout the space. The desolate number of girls living in the hostel during this period reached 160 students. When smoke filled the corridors and rooms, it triggered a state of panic that pushed students towards exits while they climbed up to the balconies to flee.
The fire department received immediate notification; thus, fire brigade staff reached the location in quick succession. The firefighters dedicated nearly one hour of rigorous work to control the flames while leading all students to safety out of the building. Everyone survived the incident without loss of life yet several students received minor injuries during their escape.
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Terrifying Moments: Students Jump for Survival
As the fire spread, some students found themselves trapped on the upper floors of the hostel. With no immediate escape route, they resorted to climbing onto AC units and then jumping down to the ground. In the widely circulated video footage, a ladder can also be seen being used to assist in the evacuation.
The distressing visuals have sparked widespread concern on social media, with netizens questioning the fire safety preparedness of hostels and other residential buildings. The incident has also raised alarms about the quality and maintenance of electrical appliances in such facilities.
Investigation Underway, Authorities Take Action
Fire department officials have stated that while the initial cause of the fire appears to be an AC compressor explosion, a thorough investigation is underway to determine if there were any lapses in maintenance or safety compliance. The hostel management is also being questioned regarding the fire safety measures in place.
Meanwhile, students and parents have urged authorities to take stringent actions to ensure hostel safety, including regular fire drills, proper maintenance of electrical appliances, and installation of fire escape routes.
This shocking incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety awareness and preparedness, especially in densely populated residential buildings. Authorities must take swift action to prevent such tragedies in the future.
