Chaos was witnessed in Eastleigh on Tuesday afternoon after a fire broke out at Yare Plaza, triggering frantic rescue efforts and scenes of panic.
A video circulating online shows residents being rescued from the burning building as thick smoke billowed into the air.
Residents and emergency responders struggled to evacuate some occupants who were reluctant or unable to leave the structure despite the rapidly spreading flames.
Amid the chaos, a daring man stunned onlookers as he was captured descending the building using a rope, executing a swift, James Bond-style escape to save himself from the inferno.
Crowds gathered below watched anxiously, cheering him on as he negotiated the perilous drop. Within seconds, he safely reached the ground, prompting loud cheers and jubilation from relieved onlookers.
Authorities have launched investigations to establish the cause of the fire.
