Mumbai: One dead as SRA high-rise building in Mahalaxmi catches fire

One died and 23 were injured after a fire broke out on the first floor of the 18-storeyed SRA building in Mahalaxmi near the race course area in the wee hours of Sunday. The cause behind the fire is yet to be ascertained even as authorities suspect that a short circuit in the electrical duct of Samrat Ashok Cooperative Housing Society may have caused it.

The SRA is home to 248 families, most of whom are employees of BMC Solid-waste Management Department. Prabhat Rahangdale, Chief Fire Officer, said, "We had earlier served a notice to A1 Samrat Ashok Society for various deviations of fire safety under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Act."

Lakshmi Koli, 80, died after she was trampled over while trying to escape through the narrow fire exit staircase. Five including two senior citizens and two children are in serious condition.

The residents say that they had alerted the fire brigade around 2.50 am and, even as the fire engines reached by 3 am, locals from the area had already begun helping the elderly escape using the narrow emergency exit staircase on one side of the building. However, thick black smoke prevented those residing above the ninth-floor from coming downstairs. So, they rushed to the terrace, where they stayed put till seven in the morning when the fire was doused.

"My son was speaking on the phone when he noticed the smoke and made us rush down while he went and alarmed the neighbours. I managed to get down safely, but my mother was left with a fractured foot while escaping," said Diksha Maru (47), a resident on the first floor of the building.

"Since the AC was on, we did not notice the smoke for some time. My sick grandmother was coming down with my mother when she fell due to the stampede. As there were no ambulances available, we carried her on a motorcycle but she died before reaching the hospital," said Jagruti Koli (20), a resident on the fourth floor. Another relative of Koli is admitted at Nair Hospital.

"It was noticed that the electrical duct on all floors was encroached by household products due to which fire spread from the third floor to higher floors. Due to thick smoke in the common lobby and staircase, residents got trapped on upper floors. Though the cause of the fire is being ascertained, action will be initiated against the defaulter," said Rahangdale.

WARNING IGNORED

• Samrat Ashok Cooperative Housing Society is home to 248 families. Most work in the BMC Solid Waste Management Department.
   
• Chief Fire Officer said a notice was served earlier to the society for various deviations of fire safety under the fire safety act.