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Ghaziabad high-rise fire probe flags poor safety maintenance, encroachments
A high-level probe into the Ghaziabad inferno on April 29 flagged poor maintenance of fire safety systems and encroachments in open spaces and fire drive-ways as factors hampering firefighting. The report found no conclusive cause and recommended further police and technical investigations, along with safety improvements.
Why It Matters
The findings highlight safety compliance gaps in a major high-rise complex and outline steps to prevent future incidents, including removing encroachments, maintaining drive-ways, and regular safety drills.
Timeline
2 Events
May 12, 2026 probe submission and findings
May 12, 2026
A high-level inquiry committee submitted its report on May 12, 2026. The probe flagged poor maintenance of fire safety systems and alleged encroachments in open spaces and fire drive-ways as key factors hampering firefighting and rescue operations. The committee noted residents' statements that the fire alarm system was not functioning properly and that maintenance of fire safety mechanisms was unsatisfactory. It found obstructions and constructions in open areas and designated drive-ways in violation of the approved building plan, including boundary walls and temporary structures around the green area, swimming pool and clubhouse in front of Tower-D, which appeared to have affected firefighting efforts. The panel found no direct evidence of conspiracy or deliberate arson from CCTV footage or other material and stated that the exact cause could not be conclusively determined. The Electrical Safety Department ruled the electricity supply and MCB at Flat No. D-943 to be in normal condition, prima facie ruling out a direct electrical short circuit as the immediate cause. The committee recommended a detailed police and technical investigation to ascertain the exact cause, immediate removal of encroachments, keeping fire drive-ways obstruction-free, regular inspection of fire safety systems, deployment of trained fire safety personnel, and periodic mock drills. The committee was chaired by the secretary of the Ghaziabad Development Authority, with the additional district magistrate, the chief fire officer, and the assistant director of electrical safety as members.
April 29, 2026 fire at Tower-D, Gaur Green Avenue Society
April 29, 2026
A fire broke out on April 29, 2026 in Tower-D of the Gaur Green Avenue Society high-rise in Indirapuram. The blaze started on the ninth floor and spread upward, affecting nearly 22 flats. About 17 fire tenders, hydraulic platforms and roughly 70 fire personnel were deployed. Several residents, including an elderly man on oxygen support, were rescued safely. No casualties were reported.