Smoke and flames at SG Road tower

Ahmedabad: A steel-and-glass building on SG Road near Sanand Crossroads became a glass cage for smoke and fire on Friday afternoon as flames, that originated from an electric duct in the basement, spread up to the 10th floor. Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES) rescued nearly 50 persons from different floors when getting down had become difficult.
According to AFES officials, they had got a call from A tower of Signature II at 3pm about fire that broke out in electric duct. The automatic fire sprinkler system was connected with the same duct and it malfunctioned due to the incident. AFES started operation with two fire fighters, four tankers and turntable ladder at the spot.
Rajesh Bhatt, additional chief fire officer, AFES, said that while they contained the flames after an hour-long operation, the major issue was clogging of smoke. "There were no ventilators on floors due to which the smoke was trapped inside the building, lowering visibility and making it difficult to climb down. It was the reason many were trapped on upper floors who were brought down by AFES," he said.
AFES officials said that they have already reported the incident to Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) to cancel the NOC on fire safety. Officials added that the case was an example why they have insisted on proper monitoring of fire-fighting system and more importantly design details as many new buildings lack proper ventilation system.