A boat anchored along the Sabarmati Riverfront beneath the Gandhi Bridge in Ahmedabad was completely gutted in a fire that broke out on Thursday. According to officials from the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES), the blaze erupted in a vessel belonging to a private agency that had been parked along the riverbank. Since boating activities on the river remain suspended, the boat had been lying unused for some time.
Incident Details
Motorists and pedestrians crossing the Gandhi Bridge noticed thick plumes of smoke rising from the boat and immediately alerted the fire control room. Following the distress call, two fire tenders were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters faced difficulties in accessing the vessel directly due to its location along the riverfront. Teams initially launched firefighting operations from the bridge itself, directing water jets onto the burning boat from above. The prompt action helped contain the fire before it could spread to nearby structures or other riverfront facilities.
Response and Investigation
Officials stated that the blaze was brought under control within a short time. Since the boat was not operational and there were no occupants on board, no injuries or casualties were reported. A fire official mentioned that the exact cause of the fire has not yet been established. While a technical malfunction remains a possibility, preliminary findings have also raised suspicion of foul play, with indications that the boat may have been deliberately set on fire.
The police and fire department officials have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the incident. Authorities are examining the vessel and reviewing available evidence to ascertain the cause of the blaze. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
