NOIDA: Panic gripped residents of a high-rise residential society in Sector 74 on Friday morning after a massive fire broke out in an apartment on the 12th floor of a 28-storey tower.The incident occurred around 8 a.m. at Ivy County, sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky.According to officials, the fire started inside a flat on the 12th floor and rapidly intensified, with flames shooting out of the apartment’s windows. The blaze was visible from a considerable distance, alarming residents and passers-by. Within minutes, the entire society was engulfed in chaos as people rushed to safety via staircases and emergency exits. Residents reported hearing screams and seeing dense smoke spreading across the upper floors, prompting many families to leave their homes immediately. Society management officials activated emergency protocols and alerted the fire department and local police. Several fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and firefighters launched an extensive operation to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to adjacent flats. Police personnel assisted in crowd management and evacuation efforts, while rescue teams ensured that residents from nearby apartments were moved to safer locations as a precaution. The firefighting operation continued as teams battled the flames from multiple access points within the tower. Fire officials cordoned off the affected area to facilitate rescue and emergency response activities.Fortunately, no casualties or injuries were reported till the filing of this report. Officials said all residents of the affected section were evacuated safely. Medical teams were also kept on standby at the site to provide immediate assistance if required. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Fire department officials said a detailed investigation would be conducted once the situation is fully brought under control. Preliminary assessments are expected to focus on possible electrical faults or other technical reasons, though no official confirmation has been made.