Dramatic rescue: Woman dangles child from window during India high-rise fire

A fire broke out on the fourth floor of an apartment complex in Ahmedabad, India, on Friday afternoon, prompting a dramatic rescue operation.

While there were no casualties, at least 18 residents trapped inside were safely evacuated by the Ahmedabad Fire and Emergency Services (AFES).

According to media reports, the blaze began around 3:30 pm in a flat at the Parishkar-1 complex located in the Khokhra area of Ahmedabad, triggering an immediate response from fire officials. Seven fire engines were rushed to the scene, and the fire was brought under control by around 6:00 pm.

Videos circulating on social media captured a particularly tense moment during the rescue. In one clip, a woman can be seen clutching a ledge several floors up with one hand while holding a child with the other. Another woman, waiting to be rescued, is seen grasping her arm for support. Firefighters managed to safely evacuate the children, followed by the women, even as thick smoke billowed from the building.

AFES officials said the fire started in a vertical wire duct that runs from the ground floor to the top of the building. Due to the intense smoke and heat, many residents were unable to access the stairwells, which quickly filled with smoke, trapping people inside their homes.

"After reaching the spot, we rescued 18 residents and brought the fire under control. No one was injured in the incident," a fire officer was quoted as saying. The swift response of the emergency teams is being credited for averting a major tragedy.