A fire that took place at a spa within the Fortune complex on City Light Road, Surat, claimed the lives of two women from Sikkim on Wednesday evening, officials reported. The women, aged 24 and 30, succumbed to asphyxiation after inhaling smoke, police confirmed, with their bodies later discovered in the spa’s bathroom on the third floor of the building.
The fire reportedly erupted at Amrutya Spa and Salon Centre, triggering a swift response from fire personnel from Majura, Vesu, and Katodara. Reaching the spa proved challenging due to heavy smoke engulfing the second and third floors, according to fire officials. Police from the Vesu station quickly cordoned off the area, stopping traffic, while nearby shop owners shut down and evacuated the premises for safety.
Three other spa workers managed to escape and alerted authorities to the two women trapped inside. Firefighters, battling thick smoke, eventually reached the spa, extinguished the flames, and discovered the women’s bodies in the bathroom. Ishwar Patel, a fire officer from Vesu, confirmed their faces were severely burnt. The victims were identified as Benu Hungma Limboo, 30 and Manisha, 24.
Surat Mayor Daxesh Mavani visited the scene later that evening, assuring that a thorough investigation would be conducted and strict legal action taken. “The fire has been brought under control,” Mavani stated. “The women’s bodies have been sent to New Civil Hospital for post-mortem examination. We will enforce legal measures against the owners and verify if the fire no-objection certificate (NOC) for the complex was up-to-date.”
Fire officer Patel provided further details, noting that the spa, owned by Dilshad Khan, spanned a compact 20-square-foot area with a single entry and exit point, and locked windows creating a confined space. “The fire ignited in the front room and spread quickly due to flammable cosmetic items,” Patel explained.
According to witnesses, five women were present at the spa when the fire started. “Three escaped and raised the alarm, but the other two, who took refuge in the bathroom as the room filled with smoke, were unable to exit,” Patel said.
Meanwhile, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang-Golay expressed his condolences on Facebook, saying, ” I am deeply saddened to hear of the tragic incident in Surat, Gujarat, where a fire outbreak in a commercial complex claimed the lives of two women from Sikkim. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families of the victims. In this moment of grief, we are standing in solidarity with you. We have reached out to the Gujarat Government and have directed our Principal Resident Commissioner in Delhi to step in, ensuring that all necessary support and assistance are provided. May the departed souls find eternal peace, and may the families find strength to endure this immense loss.”
Authorities spent roughly 30 minutes accessing the spa. Investigations are underway to verify the status of the fire NOC for both the complex and the spa, with legal action against the owner expected should it be found expired.
The police have registered an accidental death complaint and launched a formal probe into the incident.
Also Read: India Slams Canada for Blocking Media Outlet Over Jaishankar’s Press Conference
