Rising Fire Incidents in Mumbai: A Wake-Up Call for Safety Measures in 2024
Mumbai: A fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday in a seven-storey building located in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar area, leaving 13 residents suffocating due to heavy smoke. The incident took place at 1:35 am in the Shanti Sagar Building, situated in Ramabai Colony, Pantnagar, prompting an immediate response from the fire brigade.
The fire is believed to have started in the electric meter room on the ground floor of the building. According to officials, the blaze was contained to the wiring and installations in the meter room, but it generated thick smoke that rapidly spread throughout the building.
Firefighters rescued around 90 residents stranded on various floors, evacuating them via the staircase. The fire was brought under control by 2:05 am, but by then, the smoke had already caused respiratory issues for several people. Among the 13 affected by suffocation, 12 were rushed to a nearby hospital, while one individual was treated at the OPD and discharged. Of the 13 injured, nine were women, as confirmed by officials. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire.
Similar Incidents in Mumbai This Year
Mumbai has seen several such fire-related incidents in recent months, raising concerns about fire safety in residential buildings.
- June 13, 2024: A major fire broke out at a commercial complex in the Andheri East area, leaving four people dead and several others injured. The fire, which started at around 2:30 am, was linked to faulty electrical wiring. Rescue operations lasted several hours as the fire brigade struggled to control the flames due to the narrow lanes leading to the building.
- August 1, 2024: A fire at a high-rise residential building in the Malad West area resulted in the death of two senior citizens due to asphyxiation. The fire started at around 3:45 am in the basement, quickly filling the upper floors with smoke. Despite the quick response from fire services, two lives were lost due to late evacuation.
- September 5, 2024: In a tragic incident in the Colaba area, a fire in an old, dilapidated building caused a structural collapse, leading to the death of five people. The fire broke out at around 11:00 pm, and before rescue services could control it, a portion of the building gave way. Residents had been asking for repairs for months before the incident occurred.
These recurring incidents have raised alarm over the state of fire safety protocols in Mumbai’s older buildings and those with faulty electrical systems. Authorities have repeatedly called for stricter safety regulations, regular inspections, and proper maintenance of electrical installations, especially in high-rise buildings. The Ghatkopar fire is another reminder of the urgent need for better safety measures to prevent such life-threatening events in the city.
