In a tragic incident that unfolded early Friday morning, a massive fire engulfed a seven-storey residential building located in the Mumbai suburb of Goregaon West. As a result of the blaze, at least eight people lost their lives, while five others remain in critical condition. The incident also left around 61 individuals injured, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
According to officials, the fire is believed to have originated on the ground floor of the building, spreading rapidly through nearby shops, scrap material, parked vehicles, meter cabins, rags, plywood, and other materials. The fire also extended to the staircase and household items like doors, windows, and furniture, affecting an area of approximately 2000 square feet. Numerous people found themselves trapped on various floors, including the building’s terrace.
Here are the latest updates on the tragic incident:
- Out of the 61 injured individuals, 36 were transferred to the Hinduhridaysamrat Balasaheb Thackeray Medical College (HBT) hospital, with 15 receiving treatment at Cooper Hospital. Among them, four seriously injured patients are scheduled to be shifted to Kasturba Hospital.
- Fifteen of the injured are currently being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
- The deceased include two minors, three women, and one man.
- Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar revealed that the building, constructed in 2006 under the Slum Rehabilitation scheme, lacked a fire-fighting system. Additionally, the building had an outdated elevator that allowed a significant amount of smoke to spread through the lift duct.
- The fire was reported at Jay Bhavani building on Goregaon’s MG road.
- Firefighters successfully extinguished the blaze after nearly four hours, around 6:54 am.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the victims’ families and announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakhs for the kin of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
- President Droupadi Murmu conveyed her grief over the loss of life and extended condolences to the affected families. She wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
- Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced government aid of ₹5 lakhs for their support. He assured that the injured would receive necessary medical treatment.
- Maharashtra’s Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed his sympathy for the victims and their families, pledging full cooperation with BMC and Mumbai Police officials in providing assistance.
- An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire, with preliminary reports suggesting a clothes and scrap godown on the ground floor as the point of origin.
- A high-level committee comprising representatives from the Slum Rehabilitation Authority, Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority, and fire officials will be formed to submit a comprehensive report within the next 15 days, according to Maharashtra Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
- Eyewitnesses at the scene reported that the fire might have been caused by a short circuit. Families affected by the incident were moved to temporary shelter facilities, with efforts underway to restore power and investigate the incident thoroughly.
- Actor Manish Chaturvedi, who was present during the fire, recounted the ordeal, expressing his frustration over the delayed response from the fire brigade. He emphasized the importance of alertness in such situations to minimize loss.
- Authorities deployed eight fire engines, five jumbo water tankers, three automatic turn tables, one turn table ladder, a quick response vehicle, and an ambulance to the scene. Ladders and Breathing Apparatus Sets (BA Sets) were employed during the rescue efforts.
- Several officials, including Deputy Chief Fire Officer, District Fire Officer, Assistant Divisional Fire Officer, Senior Station Officers, Station Officers, Assistant Commissioner, and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation personnel, were present at the scene to coordinate the rescue operations.
This devastating incident underscores the critical need for stringent fire safety measures and prompt responses to ensure the safety of residents in densely populated urban areas like Mumbai.
Sources By Agencies
