One young man died and another was seriously injured after employees jumped from the second floor of an IT company in Ahmedabad’s Magnet Park to escape a fire that reportedly blocked the building’s only main exit. The incident occurred at the Thaltej complex, where around 30 to 40 employees were working when thick smoke spread through the office.
The deceased was identified as Rachit Patel, a Rajkot native who was living in a paying guest accommodation near Pakwan crossroads. According to Bodakdev police inspector Sandeep Khambla, Patel died during treatment after sustaining injuries in the fall. Another person remains admitted in serious condition at Zydus Hospital.
Police have registered an accidental death case and begun an investigation into the fire. The report did not identify the company or establish the cause of the blaze. It said the fire broke out on the second floor of the private company’s office and that employees attempted to escape through windows on both sides of the premises after the main exit was blocked by dense smoke.
A ground report from the site described extensive damage inside the office. More than 70 computers were reportedly destroyed, while mobile phones kept in an office locker, wallets, water bottles and other personal belongings were left behind as employees tried to get out. The area where Patel and another person reportedly jumped had blood on the ground, along with footwear. The report also said that barricading at the location was inadequate after the incident.
The family said Patel had completed his MBA around six months ago and had joined the company recently. A relative, Hardik, said he had last spoken to Patel at about 8.50 pm, when they discussed dinner. The family was informed about the fire the following morning, according to the report.
The relative also alleged that employees and former employees had spoken about two earlier fires at the company. One incident reportedly caused no injuries, while another was allegedly not followed by adequate attention. These claims have not been independently established in the supplied report and are part of the family’s demand for a detailed investigation into fire safety, security systems and CCTV arrangements.
The incident places focus on the basic evacuation systems required in commercial buildings: accessible exits, functioning fire-safety equipment, smoke management, emergency lighting and unobstructed escape routes. The immediate police inquiry is expected to establish how the fire started, whether safety systems were operational and why employees were forced to attempt an escape from the building’s windows. Further action will depend on the findings of that investigation.
