Major fire at commercial building in Raipur, 47 rescued

RAIPUR: Over 47 people were evacuated in a late-night fire broke out on Tuesday at a prominent seven-floor commercial building at Telibandha area of Chhattisgarh capital in Raipur. According to initial information, the fire broke out on seventh and eighth floor of the building and as soon as we got the input, teams of cops, fire tenders and ambulance were rushed to the spot, said Raipur collector Gaurav Singh from the spot. The exact cause of fire isn’t known yet, because the evacuation process was still underway.While 47 stranded people were rescued, once the smoke is under control, thorough checking inside the building will be done, collector said.According to preliminary information, the fire started on the third floor. Police, fire tenders, and senior district officials, including the SP and Collector, reached the spot soon after the alert. Firefighters escorted those trapped on the affected floor to safety.Several evacuees said the smoke grew so thick that they couldn’t see anything and were badly coughing.