INDORE: Twenty members of six families had a narrow escape after a fire broke out at an electric vehicle showroom on the ground floor of their apartment building in Lasudia on Friday morning. Trapped on the upper floors as flames and thick smoke blocked the staircase, they were rescued through an improvised escape route created using ladders and ropes by residents of a neighbouring building, with assistance from police and fire brigade personnel.The incident occurred near Khalsa Chowk at around 7 am and is suspected to have been caused by a short circuit.According to officials, the blaze erupted inside the electric two-wheeler showroom on the ground floor while families living in flats above were asleep. Residents woke up after thick smoke filled the building, causing breathing difficulties.By the time they realised the extent of the fire, flames had engulfed the staircase area, cutting off their only escape route.Hearing cries for help, residents of a neighbouring multi-storey building rushed to assist. They arranged ladders and ropes and helped those trapped reach the rooftop. A temporary escape route was created by placing ladders between the two buildings, allowing several residents to cross safely to the neighbouring structure. Others were brought down with the help of ropes.Police and fire brigade personnel joined the rescue operation and safely evacuated all the occupants. No casualties or injuries were reported.