3 of 27 develop respiratory infections

MUMBAI: Three of the 27 injured after fire broke out at Crystal Tower in Parel on Wednesday, were shifted to the medical intensive care unit (MICU) of KEM Hospital on Thursday owing to respiratory infections.

“Three patients, who are in the MICU, developed Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) owing to infection caused by toxic smoke inhalation and one of them is on the ventilator. Rest six are stable and are likely to be discharged soon,” said Dr Avinash Supe, dean, KEM Hospital.

Relatives of Masood Shaikh, 47, who is on ventilator said doctors suggested keeping him in MICU to minimise the infection. “Owing to burn injuries on his

hands, head and near the eye, he has suffered infection, but is better now,” said his cousin Imtiaz Shaikh. His nephew Waqar Shaikh who had tried to rescue people was also shifted to MICU.

Jaywant Sawant, 57, a relative of 65-year-old Shubhda Shirke, one of the four victims of the fire, is also in the MICU. “He was being treated in the emergency department, but doctors said he developed respiratory distress,” said his wife, Sunita.

Among those discharged is 22-year-old firefighter Raju Narawade who rescued three people. Narawade also broke glass windows to make way for smoke to escape. “A small plastic surgery was conducted. I am fine now,” said Narawade. Supe also said 62-year-old Veena Sampat, mother of Ashok Sampat who was one of the four victims, also suffered burn injuries. She was kept under observation because of increased enzymes.