Seven dead, 28 injured in major fire in Mumbai high-rise; Maharashtra govt announces Rs 5 lakh ex-gratia

The fire broke out on its 18th floor. Pic/Bipin Kokate

At least two persons were killed and more than 28 were injured in a major fire that broke out on the 18th floor of a residential building in Tardeo area of central Mumbai on Saturday morning, an official said. Maharashtra government will give an ex gratia amount of Rs 5 lakhs to the families of victims who lost their lives in the fire incident, said state minister Aaditya Thackeray.

The blaze erupted around 7 am in Kamla building located opposite Gandhi Hospital at Gowalia Tank, the official of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said.

The Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Hemant Parab, confirmed that the fire system in the building was not working.

"It is a ground plus 20-storey building. The fire broke out on its 18th floor. On being alerted, the fire brigade personnel and police rushed the spot. Thirteen fire engines, seven water jetties, among others, are involved in the firefighting operation," he said, adding that it was tagged as a level-3 (major) fire.

Two persons were injured in the blaze and were taken to the nearby Bhatia Hospital. Details about their condition are awaited, the official said.

The firefighting and rescue operation is still on, he added.

Maharashtra minister Aaditya Thackeray visited Kamala building to get an on-ground update regarding the rescue operations.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid condolences to the bereaved families. "Saddened by the building fire at Tardeo in Mumbai. Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers with the injured for the speedy recovery," the Prime Minister tweeted. PM Modi also has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakhs each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives. The injured would be given Rs 50,000.

Saddened by the building fire at Tardeo in Mumbai. Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers with the injured for the speedy recovery: PM @narendramodi