A fire that reportedly started from an electric scooter being charged in the parking area of a five-storey residential building in Mamura village, Sector 66, Noida, on Wednesday claimed two lives, endangered more than 100 residents, and triggered a large-scale rescue operation involving Fire Department, police, and local residents.The incident took place in Gali No. 2 of Mamura under the Phase 3 police station area.According to police, the blaze began on the first floor where an electric scooter (EV) was being charged. A spark reportedly ignited the scooter, and flames quickly spread to several nearby petrol-powered vehicles parked in the building.As the fire intensified, thick smoke travelled rapidly to the upper floors, entering homes and trapping residents inside. Nearly 50 families were living in the building at the time.Two dies of suffocation, over 100 rescuedThe Noida police officials told The Tribune that smoke spread across the building within minutes, leaving many residents stranded. More than 100 people were rescued safely after emergency teams launched an evacuation.Rescue personnel placed ladders from the adjoining building to evacuate people trapped on the upper floors. Firefighters, police personnel, and hydraulic platforms were pressed into service to bring residents to safety.Two persons, including a 26-year-old woman and a man, fell critically ill after inhaling smoke. They were taken to hospital by ambulance, where doctors declared them dead. Two others sustained burn injuries and were admitted for treatment.According to officials, seven fire tenders, a hydraulic platform, the Chief Fire Officer, and local police teams reached the spot soon after receiving information. The blaze was brought under control after several hours of firefighting.Eyewitness’ timely warning helped save livesThe rescue operation was aided by local residents who alerted those inside the building as soon as the fire broke out.According to fire officials, eyewitness Aman, who runs a shop near the building, alerted residents and urged them to evacuate immediately. His warning enabled several occupants to come out before the smoke spread through the building.As firefighting operations continued, police secured the building by closing its main entrance to preserve evidence. The move left several residents anxious as they sought permission to enter and assess the damage to their rooms. Many were later seen retrieving belongings and shifting to temporary accommodation.Police register case against leaseholder and operatorPolice said a case has been registered against the building’s leaseholder and operator on charges of negligence. Both have been taken into custody and further legal proceedings are underway.Sources told The Tribune that the building was largely being operated as a paying-guest (PG) facility.Officials said the identities and details of the two deceased were yet to be disclosed.CM Yogi orders swift reliefThe incident also drew the attention of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who took cognisance of the fire and directed officials to immediately reach the spot.He instructed the administration to expedite rescue and relief operations, ensure proper medical treatment for the injured, and extend all possible assistance to those affected. The Chief Minister also directed government officials to remain vigilant and continuously monitor relief efforts.The incident has once again raised concerns over fire safety in densely populated residential buildings in the NCR region, where a fire originating in the parking area can quickly turn deadly due to the rapid spread of smoke.