Another high-rise, yet another blaze

One dead, two critical as fire breaks out in a building near city racecourse

A 70-year-old woman died and at least 19 were hospitalised, of whom two are critical, after a fire broke out in the wee hours of Sunday in a high-rise building near Mahalaxmi Racecourse.

According to the Disaster Management Cell of the BMC, the fire broke out on the third floor of the 18-storey A1 Samrat Ashoka building located on Keshavrao Khade Marg.

“Four fire engines were sent to the spot, for what was categorised as a level II fire. The fire broke out in the electric duct on the third floor and soon started spreading to the top of the 18-storey building. The fire was doused after 5.30 am,” said a senior official.

PS Rahangadale, chief fire officer, said a notice had been served some time back to A1 Samrat Ashoka CHA society for various violations of fire safety norms under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Act.

“We are now planning to lodge a police complaint against the society members, as the fire safety installations were not in a working condition,” he said.

At least 98 residents were stranded in their flats due to the fire and smoke.

Rescue operations were launched by the fire brigade at 3 am and 50 people from the upper floors were brought down using the staircase. Four others were saved by using special devices.

“A total of 98 people were treated at Nair Hospital, of which one person, Laxmi Koli, was declared dead. Those rescued were rushed to the hospital as they had inhaled smoke. About 77 were discharged after treatment while 19 were admitted for burns.

Out of the 19, two were taken to Bhatia Hospital and are said to be critical,” Dr Ramesh Bharmal, Dean of Nair Hospital, said.