Two Sikkim Women Die in Blaze at Spa in Gujarat

The victims, identified as Benu Hungma Limboo (30) and Manisha (24), died of asphyxiation after inhaling thick smoke from the blaze.

Two women from Sikkim tragically lost their lives in a fire that broke out at a spa in the Fortune complex in Surat, Gujarat, on Wednesday evening.

The victims, identified as Benu Hungma Limboo (30) and Manisha (24), died of asphyxiation after inhaling thick smoke from the blaze, which spread rapidly through the building. There also suffered burn injuries.

The fire erupted at Amrutya Spa and Salon Centre, located on the third floor of the complex on City Light Road. According to the Surat Fire Department, the entire second and third floors of the building were soon engulfed in fire and smoke, making it difficult for fire personnel to access the site. Firefighters from Majura, Vesu, and Katodara battled the flames, while Vesu police cordoned off the area and halted traffic to prevent further accidents.

As the fire raged, three other workers from the spa managed to escape. They alerted the authorities about the two women who had been trapped inside. Firefighters, despite facing significant challenges, were eventually able to douse the flames. Upon reaching the spa, they discovered the bodies of the two women in the bathroom. Both victims had sustained severe burns to their faces, according to fire officer Ishwar Patel.

Surat Mayor Daxesh Mavani, who visited the site later in the evening, assured the public that a thorough investigation would be conducted. “The fire has been controlled, and the bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination. We will carry out a detailed investigation and ensure strict legal action against the owners of the spa. We will also verify whether the fire no-objection certificate (NOC) for the complex and the spa was up to date,” said Mavani.

Initial reports indicate that the spa, which occupies a small 20-square-foot space, had a single entry and exit point, with all the windows locked, creating a hazardous environment. The fire reportedly began in the front room and spread quickly due to the presence of flammable cosmetic items, making escape difficult.

According to surviving workers, five women were present at the spa when the fire broke out. Three of them managed to flee the scene and raise an alarm, while the two women who were trapped in the bathroom were unable to escape as the smoke filled the room. Fire officer Patel confirmed that it took about 30 minutes for the fire department to access the third floor, further complicating the rescue efforts.

The owner of the spa, Dilshad Khan, has been called in for questioning, and police have lodged an accidental death complaint.

This tragic incident has sparked concerns over safety regulations and the need for stricter enforcement of fire safety protocols in public spaces, especially in high-risk areas like spas and salons.

Also read: Sikkim Woman Dies By Suicide Unable to Bear Losses Post GLOF

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