Fire in Mumbai building: 33 people rescued, no one hurt | Mumbai News – Times of India

MUMBAI: A total of 33 people were rescued from a six-storey building in Saki Naka in Andheri East, when a fire erupted.
The situation became even more challenging as the building’s terrace was locked, making it difficult for residents to seek refuge upstairs.
The Mumbai Fire Brigade officials reported that the fire originated in the meter box of Sathi CHS and rapidly spread, causing thick smoke to engulf the entire premises.
Chief fire brigade officer Ravindra Ambulgekar reassured that there were no reported injuries, and the fire brigade teams successfully ensured the safe evacuation of all residents. Ambulgekar added, “Some damage was sustained on a part of the first floor of the building.”
Among those rescued were two newborn babies from the second floor of the building. According to fire brigade officials, residents found themselves stranded within the building premises due to the smoke spreading on the ground and first floors, hindering their escape. The fire was eventually brought under control by 10.46am on Friday.
Imran Chowdhary, a resident on the first floor, shared that his daughter alerted him to the smoke emanating from the meter box. Taking swift action, he sealed off all entrances with wet clothes to prevent smoke from entering their homes. Chowdhary also advised fellow residents to do the same.
Despite panic among some residents attempting to flee, he and his family chose to remain indoors until the fire brigade arrived and executed the rescue operation. He stressed the importance of covering one’s face with wet cloths as a precautionary measure, a practice that can help prevent inhaling harmful smoke during such emergencies.
Hailder Ali, who operates a nearby garage, recounted that grills on the windows had to be cut open to facilitate the evacuation of residents, as the main entrance became impassable due to smoke.
Former Congress MLA from the area, Naseem Khan, expressed relief that no injuries were reported and commended the timely and effective response of the fire brigade teams in containing the blaze.