A late-night fire in a Bengaluru PG exposed safety gaps in mixed-use buildings, with residents forced into desperate escape attempts as flames spread rapidly from a commercial outlet.
Visuals show flames inside a building and residents on the street during the Bengaluru PG fire that forced several women to jump to safety. | X
A fire broke out at a paying guest (PG) accommodation in Bengaluru’s Nandini Layout on Sunday night, setting off panic and forcing around 50 young women to jump from the fourth floor to escape.
For those inside, things unfolded very quickly. Within minutes, the flames had spread through the building, leaving little time to figure out a safe way out. With smoke rising and exits unclear, some residents chose the only option they saw – jump.
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Officials said the fire is believed to have started in an LED banner shop on the ground floor and then spread to the adjoining PG building. The proximity meant the flames travelled fast, catching many off guard.
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Videos from the spot, now widely circulating on social media, show the confusion and fear that gripped the building. Residents can be seen climbing out and jumping as others below try to help.
Fire brigade teams reached the area soon after and brought the blaze under control. An investigation is now underway to understand how the fire spread so quickly into a residential space.
Officials said there were no deaths and no reports of serious injuries. The quick exit by residents likely prevented a far worse outcome.
The incident, however, has again raised questions around fire safety in buildings where commercial units and residential spaces operate side by side.
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