Mumbai: Fire breaks out in residential building, 5 elderly die
What's the story
On Thursday, a major fire broke out in a high-rise residential building in Chembur, one of the Mumbai's largest suburbs, killing 5 elderly people, multiple reports said. The fire broke out on the 11th floor of building number 35 in the B wing of Sargam Society. The incident was reported at 7:45 PM and firefighters rushed to spot. Here's more.
What happened
Reason of fire unknown, investigation underway
The fire which was categorized as level-3 fire has been contained now. After the fire broke out, five fire tenders rushed to the spot. But as the blaze continued to intensify, more fire tenders were sent there. There is little clarity on how the fire started. However, reports claimed that after an LPG cylinder burst, the fire became more severe. One firefighter was injured.
Deceased
The elderly died on way to hospital
The elderly were rushed to the hospital but passed away on the way. The deceased were identified as: Sunita Joshi, 72, Bhalchandra Joshi, 72 and Suman Shrinivas Joshi, 83, Sarala Suresh Gangar, 52 and Laxmiben Premji Gangar, 83. Another elderly was admitted due to suffocation. Reportedly, the fire security system of the building wasn't functioning.
Incidents
Earlier, fire in ESIC Hospital left 11 dead
Notably, this is the second deadly fire incident reported in Mumbai recently. On December 17, a major fire broke out at the ESIC Hospital in Andheri and claimed 11 lives. Initial probe revealed the hospital did not have a no-objection certificate from the fire department. On Thursday, another fire started in Bhendi Bazar's Dongri Jail Road but no casualties were reported.