A devastating fire broke out early Saturday morning in a seven-storey SRA building in Ghatkopar East, leading to the suffocation of thirteen residents and the dramatic rescue of around 90 people. The fire, which started at approximately 1:30 a.m. in the electric meter room of the D-wing of Shanti Sagar Police Cooperative Housing Society, quickly engulfed the building in thick smoke.
According to a fire brigade officer, the blaze remained confined to the wiring and installations in the meter room. However, smoke spread throughout the building, trapping residents. The preliminary cause of the fire is believed to be a short circuit.
Eyewitnesses reported panic as smoke began flooding the building’s only entrance and exit, forcing residents to seek refuge on the terrace. “Residents on the ground floor alerted others to the fire, causing chaos as smoke filled the passages. Many were stranded and unable to escape due to the thick smoke,” the officer said.
The fire was extinguished by 2:06 a.m. Despite the alarming situation, no serious injuries were reported. Thirteen people who suffered from suffocation were taken to Rajawadi Hospital, where one was treated on an outpatient basis. Seven were discharged against medical advice, while five remain hospitalized in stable condition.
Lakshmi Loke, a resident, described the tense moments as families, including senior citizens and children, scrambled to the terrace. “Thankfully, everyone managed to reach the terrace without falling or getting injured. The main entrance was engulfed in flames, leaving us with no way to escape,” Loke said.
The fire officer detailed the rescue operation, noting that residents were initially guided to the terrace. Once the smoke reduced, a ladder was used to rescue those still trapped in their homes, and the remaining residents were safely evacuated through the building’s staircase.
Chandan Nikalje, secretary of the Ramabai Ambedkar Magasvargiya Gruhanirman Sanstha, which is located in the same building, mobilized around 150 local volunteers to assist residents before the fire brigade arrived. “We were on the scene as soon as the fire broke out, helping residents escape the smoke,” Nikalje stated.
Residents expressed frustration over the building’s lack of essential safety features, such as fire exits and proper ventilation. Concerns were also raised about the absence of lifts and the building’s overall condition, which they believe exacerbated the situation.
In the aftermath, residents are dealing with a lack of water and electricity. Nikalje highlighted that while discussions with the society secretary are underway to replace the damaged electric meters, a temporary solution is needed to restore utilities for the affected residents.
Sources By Agencies
