An early morning fire broke out in the ground-plus-four-story Saki Cooperative Housing Society in Mumbai’s western district of Andheri East, but quick action from authorities resulted in the rescue of 33 residents. News agency PTI reported that the fire erupted at around 8:51 a.m. and was extinguished by 10:45 a.m. According to an official, the fire, categorized as a level one (low intensity) blaze, was successfully contained.

The official further reported that multiple ladders were used in the rescue operation. A total of 33 residents were rescued from the building, which included four men and three women from the first floor, 16 persons from the second floor—among them two newborns—as well as 10 individuals from the third and fourth floors. Due to the dangerous situation at ground level, where the fire broke out in an electric metre box, fire authorities had to remove one window grille to enter apartments and facilitate the rescue.

Various emergency resources were dispatched to the scene, including a water truck, ambulance, and other necessary equipment. According to the official, the fire was limited to the wiring, installations, and panel boards in the metre cabin on the ground level. An investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire.

This incident in Andheri East follows another fire event in Mumbai that occurred just a day prior. A gas leak ignited a fire in Mumbai’s Bandra neighborhood, injuring two people. The Mumbai Fire Brigade responded swiftly, deploying five fire tenders to successfully extinguish the fire. The injured were taken to a local hospital for treatment, according to a statement by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC).

The Andheri East fire and the Bandra gas leak fire highlight the crucial role played by quick responses from Mumbai’s fire department in averting greater tragedies. Authorities are continuing to investigate both incidents to prevent future occurrences.

  Andheri East, Bandra, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, India, Maharashtra, Mumbai