A major fire erupted at a diamond polishing factory in Surat in the early hours of Tuesday, leading to a dramatic rescue operation that saved the lives of at least 60 workers. The incident, which caused significant panic, occurred at the Riza Gems unit located in the bustling Kapodra area.
Midnight Panic at Riza Gems
The Surat Fire and Emergency Services (SFES) received a distress call around midnight, alerting them to a fire that had broken out on the third floor of the building. At the time, employees were actively working the night shift when the blaze suddenly ignited. Preliminary investigations strongly point to a short circuit as the likely cause of the fire. The flames spread rapidly from the third floor to the fourth, filling the premises with smoke and creating a highly dangerous situation for everyone inside.
Heroic Rescue Operation Prevents Tragedy
As the fire intensified, a group of workers found themselves trapped behind a burning wooden partition, their escape route cut off. Firefighters from the SFES responded with urgency and skill, managing to reach the trapped individuals and bring them to safety in the nick of time. This swift action was crucial in preventing any loss of life or serious injuries.
Meanwhile, most of the other workers, overwhelmed by panic and in a bid to escape the thickening smoke and advancing flames, rushed upwards to the fifth floor of the building. Fire personnel later located these workers, calmly guided them down the staircase, and ensured their complete evacuation. Authorities have confirmed that the fire was eventually brought under control and, most importantly, no casualties were reported from the entire harrowing incident.
Investigation into Safety Measures Launched
In the aftermath of the fire, authorities have initiated a detailed investigation. The probe aims to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and will also involve a thorough evaluation of the fire safety protocols and measures that were in place at the diamond polishing unit. This step is critical to prevent such dangerous occurrences in the future and to ensure industrial safety standards are strictly adhered to in Surat's prominent diamond processing hub.
