A tragic fire in a densely populated chawl in Mumbai's Andheri East area has resulted in one fatality and left two other residents fighting for their lives in critical condition. The incident, which occurred last week, has once again cast a spotlight on the fire hazards associated with cramped living conditions in the city's older housing structures.
Timeline of a Tragedy
The fire brigade first received the distress call at 7:16 am on December 21. The blaze erupted in Room No. 10 on the first floor of a ground-plus-one structure located in the Vijay Nagar area of Ramabai Ambedkar Nagar Chawl. Fire officials confirmed that the fire was primarily confined to the room's electric wiring, electrical installations, apparel, and mattresses.
Responding firefighters acted swiftly and managed to bring the flames under control within thirty minutes. The fire was reported to be completely extinguished by 7:44 am the same morning.
Victims and Hospital Status
Despite the rapid response, the fire had devastating consequences. Veena Pradip Bhoite, aged 45, who was seriously injured in the incident, was rushed to Kasturba Hospital for treatment. Her struggle ended tragically when the hospital authorities declared her dead on December 24 at 10:03 pm.
Two other residents from the chawl, identified as Namdeo Sakpal and Laxmi Sakpal, sustained severe injuries. Civic officials stated that both are currently admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Kasturba Hospital. Their condition remains critical, and they are dependent on oxygen support as they receive medical care.
Eyewitness Accounts and Safety Concerns
Local residents described a scene of chaos and panic during the early morning fire. An eyewitness highlighted the inherent dangers of the chawl's architecture, noting that the structure is very cramped and that the narrow staircase severely hampered evacuation efforts. "There was panic everywhere, especially because many families were still asleep," recounted a local resident, pointing to the timing of the blaze as a major factor in the difficulty of rescue operations.
This incident raises serious questions about fire safety protocols, electrical maintenance, and escape route accessibility in Mumbai's numerous chawls and densely packed neighbourhoods. The confinement of the fire to electrical sources underscores the need for regular checks of wiring and installations in such residential buildings.
