A significant fire broke out in an industrial unit in Mumbai's bustling Lower Parel area on Tuesday afternoon, causing alarm and prompting a swift response from the city's fire services. The incident, attributed to an electrical fault, led to a dramatic rescue operation for one trapped employee.
Timeline of the Lower Parel Industrial Fire
The blaze was first reported at around 4:15 pm on the third floor of a ground-plus-three-storey structure situated within the Kohinoor Industrial Estate. The entire third floor was occupied by the embroidery unit where the fire originated. Fire officials quickly identified a short circuit as the prima facie cause of the incident.
Swift Response and Rescue Operation
Upon receiving the alert, firefighting teams rushed to the scene. The operation was led by Worli Station Officer Sunit Ubale and ADFO Shitole. While most employees managed to evacuate the premises safely on their own, one worker found himself trapped inside a bathroom.
"While others got out, this employee, who may have entered the washroom before the fire broke out, got stuck," explained a fire official involved in the operation. The rescue team promptly used Breathing Apparatus to enter the smoke-filled area and successfully extricate the stranded worker, ensuring no loss of life.
Containment and Aftermath
The firefighting teams worked efficiently to control and douse the flames. The fire was officially declared extinguished at 5:26 pm, just over an hour after it began. The incident highlights the ever-present risks of fire hazards in densely packed industrial areas of Mumbai and underscores the critical role of emergency services.
Authorities are likely to conduct a detailed investigation into the exact circumstances leading to the short circuit, emphasizing the need for stringent electrical safety audits in commercial and industrial establishments to prevent such dangerous occurrences in the future.
