Deadly fire in Ajmer Hotel, packed with pilgrims, caused death of four individuals including a 4-year-old child. Blast in an air conditioner is suspected to be the reason behind the inferno.
Jaipur, May 1 (IANS): A devastating fire engulfed a hotel in Ajmer’s Diggi Bazaar area on Thursday morning, resulting in the tragic deaths of four individuals, including a four-year-old child. The blaze erupted around 8 a.m. at Hotel Naaz, which was reportedly accommodating numerous pilgrims at the time.
Among the injured is a one-and-a-half-year-old child named Ibrahim, who sustained serious burn injuries. Three other individuals also suffered critical burns and are currently receiving intensive medical care.
In a desperate attempt to save her baby from the flames, a woman threw her child from a window. Eyewitness Mangilal Kalosia, who caught the infant, said the child sustained only minor burns. Recalling the horror, Kalosia stated, “There was a loud blast—probably from an air conditioner—before the fire spread rapidly. We broke the windows from the outside, and the woman threw her baby into my arms.”
The fire quickly consumed all five floors of the building, forcing many guests to leap from windows in a frantic bid to escape. Rescue operations faced significant challenges due to the hotel’s location in a congested area with narrow access roads.
Dr. Anil Samaria, Principal of JLN Medical College, confirmed that eight people were admitted to the hospital. “Four have died, including a child. Three others are in critical condition,” he said.
Several emergency responders, including firefighters and police personnel, fell ill during the operation due to smoke inhalation and fatigue. A female police constable reportedly began vomiting and required medical attention on-site.
Despite the obstacles, coordinated efforts by police, fire brigade, and civil defence teams led to the safe evacuation of the remaining guests. Ajmer District Collector Lok Bandhu confirmed that the hotel was thoroughly searched and no one remains trapped. “We’re now focused on ensuring the injured receive the best possible treatment,” he stated.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Om Prakash said the emergency response team arrived swiftly and acted decisively. “Some members of our team became unwell but are now stable,” he noted.
Ward 22 Councillor Bharti Shrivastava mentioned that most guests were asleep when the fire broke out. “People were trapped inside. We had to break glass windows to pull them out. Local leaders and administration officials arrived quickly to assist,” she added. (Edited)
