Teen alerts 70-80 residents after midnight parking fire in Pimpri-Chinchwad, 21 vehicles gutted

A massive fire broke out suddenly at midnight in the parking area of the Kunal Market building in the Chapekar Chowk area of Pimpri-Chinchwad. Seventeen two-wheelers and four four-wheelers parked there were burnt to ashes. One man was injured and was immediately admitted to a nearby hospital for treatment.

About 70 to 80 people living in the building were fast asleep at the time. The fire started so suddenly that for many the danger was upon them before they grasped how serious the situation was. It was then that 20-year-old Arya Kamble showed presence of mind and stepped forward to help.

The door of Arya's home could not be opened because of the fire. She first phoned the fire brigade to report the incident. But she felt the time before help arrived should not be wasted, and that the people in the building had to be moved to safety. So she began making an effort herself.

Arya decided to jump down from the first-floor gallery of her home. Her father objected, but given the seriousness of the situation, she jumped. She injured her leg in the attempt. Regardless of her injury, she focused on saving others.

On reaching the ground, Arya told the residents to come out of their homes and go to the terrace. Seeing the danger from the fire, she alerted everyone to move to a safe place. She also made sure that everyone had come out of their homes. Smoke was spreading and the flames were growing, yet she did not panic and put others' help first.

By the time fire brigade personnel reached the spot, the 21 vehicles in the parking area had been burnt to ashes. The loss of vehicles is heavy, but because Arya warned people in time, many got the chance to reach safety.

Arya's courage is now being praised across the area. Residents of the building are expressing gratitude to her. Many say it feels as if they have been given a new life. The bravery of the 20-year-old, who ran about for others' safety despite her own leg injury, is being talked about.