New Delhi: A massive fire broke out at a Kia car showroom near Saket metro station Friday afternoon, triggering a multi-agency rescue operation in which around 15 people trapped on the building’s rooftop and shaft area were evacuated by fire personnel.

At least seven people experienced breathing difficulties after inhaling smoke and were taken to hospitals, police said, adding that no casualties were reported. Six vehicles were also damaged in the blaze, they said.

“The fire broke out around 3.44 pm at the showroom on MB Road, near Saket metro station. Fire officials said a call was received at 3.47 pm and the first fire tender was dispatched within a minute. A total of 13 fire tenders were eventually pressed into service,” DCP (South) Anant Mittal said.

As flames engulfed parts of the building, several people moved to the rooftop to escape. Videos circulating on social media showed people attempting to reach an adjoining building through a staircase, while others were seen helping them cross to safety. In one video, a man could be seen carrying a woman on his back across the connecting structure.

However, a senior fire official said the main rooftop rescue operation was carried out by firefighters, who used ladders to evacuate those trapped above the staircase shaft.

“Those people were above the staircase shaft, and the public had no access there at all. Through a window opening they climbed to the top of the shaft. Our personnel put up a ladder and brought them out,” the official said.

He said five to six people were initially found trapped in the shaft area of the building. One man was particularly reluctant to descend using a ladder.

“He was terrified and was not ready to come down the ladder. By then, members of the public had placed a ladder from the adjoining building. Two of our personnel were also there, and they brought him across from the other roof,” the official said.

South Delhi district magistrate Lakshya Singhal said multiple agencies were mobilised.

As soon as the fire broke out, the fire department, police, traffic police and CATS ambulance services were alerted,” he said.

Singhal said around 15 people were rescued and seven injured people are undergoing treatment at Max Hospital and Madan Mohan Malviya Hospital.

Police said two women experienced breathing difficulties after inhaling smoke and were taken to a hospital for medical evaluation. Their condition was reported to be stable. The building was searched again to ensure no one remained trapped.

The fire was later brought under control, though it caused major traffic disruption on MB Road and adjoining stretches, including Anuvrat Marg and Lala Lajpat Rai Marg.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, though officials suspect it may have been triggered by a short circuit.