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At least four women and a child died after a fire broke out in a three-storey residential building in Surat on Tuesday (March 31, 2026), police said.
The incident took place around 10 am in the Mithi Khadi area under Limbayat police station limits where residents were busy wrapping sarees inside a house. According to officials, a large quantity of foam sheets used for packaging were stored at the premises.
Response teams, including fire and rescue personnel, reached the spot shortly after the fire was reported and started rescue operations.
Authorities said thick smoke filled the building, initially preventing access to those trapped inside. Once the smoke cleared, emergency responders found foam sheets and packing material stacked in the front room, including near the electrical switchboard.
Preliminary findings indicate that an electrical spark may have ignited the highly flammable foam, which emitted thick and toxic smoke. Officials said the victims suffered severe suffocation and were taken to a civil hospital in a critical condition, where they later died.
The deceased have been identified as Shehnaz Begum Ansari (65), Husa Begam Ansari (18), Shabina Ansari (28), Parvin Abdul Ansari (19) and Subhan Ali Ansari (4).
Eyewitnesses said the presence of flammable materials caused the fire to spread quickly. The victims, originally from Uttar Pradesh, were involved in a saree packing work in the city. Police said further investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the fire.
Published – 31 March 2026 19:25 IST
