Mumbai, September 6: A major fire broke out at the 15-storey Times Tower building in Mumbai’s bustling Lower Parel area early Friday morning. The incident, which took place at the Kamala Mills compound, prompted a swift response from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, who battled the flames for over four hours before successfully containing the blaze. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
Blaze Erupts Early Morning
According to officials, the fire began around 6:30 a.m. in the electrical duct of the building and quickly spread across multiple floors, with flames being confined between the third and seventh floors of the high-rise. The fire brigade declared it a level 2 fire—classified as a major emergency—prompting the immediate deployment of eight fire engines, five jumbo water tankers, and other firefighting equipment.
As smoke billowed from the building, residents and office-goers in the surrounding areas expressed concern. The fire brigade worked diligently to prevent the fire from spreading to other parts of the building. Civic authorities confirmed that after hours of rigorous firefighting, the blaze was brought under control without any injuries or fatalities.
Firefighting Efforts
The Mumbai Fire Brigade worked in coordination with other emergency services to mitigate the damage. “Our teams responded quickly, ensuring the fire did not spread further,” a senior fire official said. “Five fire engines and seven jumbo tankers were deployed, and after four hours of intense efforts, the fire was finally contained.”
The cause of the fire is believed to have been electrical in nature, with the flames originating in the building’s electrical duct. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether there were any safety violations or issues with the building’s fire management system.
Concerns Raised Over Safety and Illegal Constructions
This incident has raised concerns about the safety standards in the Kamala Mills compound, an area that has witnessed multiple fires in recent years. Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) leader Sandeep Deshpande voiced his frustration, highlighting the lack of fire safety audits in the area.
“This is the third time a fire has broken out in the Kamala Mills compound in five years. Illegal construction is rampant here, and local MLAs are turning a blind eye to the issue. The authorities need to conduct regular fire audits to prevent such incidents,” Deshpande said, expressing concerns about inadequate regulatory oversight.
A History of Fires in Kamala Mills Compound
The Kamala Mills compound, a commercial hub housing offices, restaurants, and media companies, has been the site of previous fire incidents, including a devastating blaze in 2017 that claimed 14 lives at a rooftop restaurant. The recurrence of such incidents has put a spotlight on the safety protocols in place and the enforcement of fire safety regulations in the area.
Authorities are expected to investigate whether safety measures in the Times Tower building met the required standards and if any lapses contributed to the fire. Civic officials have urged building management in the area to ensure that all fire prevention and safety protocols are up to date.
While no casualties have been reported this time, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by inadequate fire safety measures in high-rise buildings across the city.
