A devastating fire that swept through a garage-cum-residence in Chuim Village, Khar, in the early hours of Tuesday claimed the life of Adrien Alves (26), the son of a well-known local bike mechanic. Adrien, who was pursuing chartered accountancy studies while working at a comic book store in Bandra, was trapped inside the blaze and succumbed to his injuries.
Details of the Incident
The fire erupted around 2:30 am and spread rapidly through the two-storey structure. The elderly grandmother, Audrey Alves, who owns the house and has lived there for decades, managed to escape along with her son, Alistair. However, Adrien, Alistair’s eldest son, could not be rescued in time. Alistair’s wife and their two younger children were out of town at the time of the incident.
Funeral and Fundraiser
Adrien’s last rites will be held at St Vincent de Paul Church in Khar on Saturday. An online fundraiser with a target of Rs 20 lakh has been initiated to assist the family with emergency accommodation, clothing, food, and basic necessities, as well as to repair the partially destroyed home and cover funeral expenses. As of Thursday evening, Rs 10 lakh had been raised. The house and garage were not insured against fire, leaving the family without financial support.
Community Reaction
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief on social media, with locals remembering Adrien as a polite, well-mannered, and good-natured youth. Many recalled his willingness to help customers who brought their two-wheelers for servicing at Alves Corner, the garage owned by his father Alistair. Thane activist Melwyn Fernandes, who helped spread the word among the community, expressed regret over the loss of a promising young life.
Impact on Family Business
The garage, located directly beneath the family residence, sustained damage in the fire. Alistair Alves is currently assessing the damage and is unable to operate his business, resulting in a loss of income for both himself and his employees. The family’s insurance policy does not cover fire-related damage, compounding their financial woes.
Alistair’s sisters, Giselle Maria and Gretchen, who reside in the UK, initiated the online fundraiser to help the family rebuild their home and garage. The bungalow still stands, but much of the family’s belongings were destroyed or damaged in the fire.
