Mumbai: 6 people were killed and at least 27 injured after a massive fire broke out on the 18th floor of the 20-storey Kamla building located opposite Gandhi Hospital at Gowalia Tank in Mumbai Tardeo around 7:30 AM on Saturday. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that 13 fire engines and 12 water tankers were rushed to the spot. The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals.
A fire official said that the cause of the fire is still being investigated. “The fire broke out in house number 1904, and the smoke spread to the entire building. A fire system was in place but it was not working. Electrical ducts and electrical cables had completely melted,” he added. Mumbai mayor Kishori Pednekar said that extensive training of residents is necessary for fire-fighting operations to avert such situations. Aaditya Thackeray, who visited the spot in the afternoon, announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the families of those who died in the incident. PM Narendra Modi has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the building fire in Tardeo, Mumbai. The injured would be given Rs 50,000
“6 old-age people needed oxygen support system and have been shifted to the hospital. Fire flame is under control but smoke is huge. Out of the 7 injured taken to the Nair Hospital, 5 died, while 2 others succumbed to their injuries at two other hospitals he added. At present, 13 persons are undergoing treatment in Bhatia Hospital. Dr Tina from Bhatia hospital said that of the 15 injured, 12 are admitted in general ward condition and are stable, while 3 are critical and admitted in the ICU.
“Soon after the fire broke out, residents started running out with their family members. The blaze engulfed the 18th and 19th floors and some residents were trapped there,” another official said. He added that according to some residents, the power supply in the building went off after the fire. Many of the residents of the building were asleep when the fire broke out, he said, adding that the firefighting operation is still on.