10-year-old girl keeps cool, helps save 14 residents

MUMBAI: As the smoke leapt from Crystal Towers building in Parel, several residents panicked. But amid the din, a 10-year-old girl, Zen Gunratan Sadavarte, saved at least 14 lives, including that of her parents, thanks to her fire safety training in school.

When asked how she remained calm during the fire when disquiet prevailed, she said: “I was not scared of the fire. I was rather worried about losing my data.”

Thanks to her inquisitive mind and her teachers’ training, she was able to direct her parents and neighbours to safety. Zen’s mother Jayashri said: “When the fire broke out, the smoke soon covered the house and it was pitch black. We tried to move to the adjoining room and even to the balcony but there was heavy smoke all around, and we were not even able to exit through the lobby. We had almost given up hope and were holding hands. However, my daughter, who is curious to know about various things, guided us through the fire and smoke to escape. Thanks to her, I am alive today with only burns on my face.”

How did she learn about fire fighting measures?

“I am always researching on the internet about natural and man-made tragedies such as floods and fire. When I saw that my parents were unable to breathe, I took charge. I did not fear the fire. I just asked my parents to wet any piece of cloth and cover their nose and mouth with it. Finally, they could relax and we started moving out. There were some neighbours with us too.” Wet cloth or cotton partially protects people from inhaling carbon monoxide. Zen said on her way out along with her neighbours, she requested others living on the lower floors to cover their mouths with wet cloth.

There were more fire fighting techniques in her repertoire. “I also asked my family to crawl instead of walking. I switched off all lights and shut the gas connection. I remember my teacher told me that in such situations, you should not go near electrical connections and gas cylinders. The main thing is to remain calm,” said Zen. Zen’s father Gunratan Sadavarte said his daughter had saved at least 14 lives.

Chief fire officer PS Rahangdale lauded the girl for using basic techniques in saving her neighbours.