A fire erupted early Sunday morning in the Shanti Sagar building in Ghatkopar, taking nearly 90 residents by surprise. The blaze reportedly began around 1:30 a.m. in the common electrical duct of the seven-storey residential structure. As residents slept, flames spread rapidly through the building’s electrical conduit, sending smoke pouring into corridors and flats. The dense smoke trapped residents on various floors, with many unable to evacuate due to the hazardous conditions.
The Mumbai Fire Brigade quickly responded to the emergency, launching a large-scale evacuation. Firefighters guided the trapped residents down the building’s staircase, ensuring everyone’s safety. By 2:06 a.m., roughly 30 minutes after the fire began, the blaze was brought under control. Firefighters’ efforts prevented the flames from spreading further, but the rapid onset of smoke left many residents in need of medical assistance.
Thirteen individuals were transported to Rajawadi Hospital for treatment due to smoke inhalation. Among them, one person was treated on an outpatient basis, while seven others opted to leave the hospital against medical advice. Five individuals remain hospitalized, though they are in stable condition, according to reports.
This incident has reignited concerns about fire safety in Mumbai’s older, densely populated residential areas. Many older buildings in the city have outdated electrical systems, which can pose serious risks if not properly maintained. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire, as well as assess the building’s compliance with current fire safety regulations.
Meanwhile, in another incident reported on September 14, an elderly woman died in a fire at her apartment in Mulund West on Friday afternoon while her husband was out getting food. The incident, which occurred at Opal Apartmen, is suspected to be a suicide due to her prolonged illness. Firefighters, alerted by smoke from the 9th floor, found the door locked from the inside and discovered the woman, burned beyond recognition, sitting on a sofa. Only the sofa and the woman were damaged in the fire, and police are conducting further investigations.
The fire serves as a stark reminder of the importance of regular safety inspections and vigilance, particularly in the nighttime when residents may be less alert to dangers. As the city continues to grow, ensuring the safety of its residential infrastructure remains a pressing issue for authorities and citizens alike.
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