Nalasopara: A late night fire at the Imperial Heights high rise in Nalasopara, Maharashtra, triggered an emergency rescue operation on Tuesday, with 15 people rescued and several others managing to escape on their own. A woman aged over 60 is feared to have died, though authorities have said further details about the reported casualty are awaited.
The fire broke out at around 11:30 pm on October 13, affecting the eighth, ninth and tenth floors of the residential building, according to Vasai Virar City Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prithviraj BP. Fire brigade personnel, police teams and municipal officials rushed to the scene to evacuate residents and respond to the emergency.
Residents Stranded as Rescue Teams Rush In
The blaze left residents scrambling to reach safety as emergency personnel worked to bring people out of the affected floors. Reports from the scene indicated that some residents were seen on the building’s exterior while rescue personnel attempted to reach them using elevated rescue equipment, including a crane and high ladders.
According to the municipal commissioner, 15 people were rescued by the response teams, while several others made their way downstairs without assistance. The operation involved coordinated efforts by the fire department, police and administrative officials.
Reports also indicated that smoke affected some residents, with people requiring medical attention taken to hospital. However, a comprehensive official account of the number of injured people was not immediately available.
Woman Over 60 Feared Dead
The reported casualty has emerged as a major concern following the incident. Commissioner Prithviraj BP said there were reports that a woman aged above 60 had died, but stressed that the investigation was still pending and additional information would be shared once available.
The final casualty count and the woman’s confirmed status were not established in the initial official statement. Authorities have yet to release a complete assessment of the damage caused by the fire.
Short Circuit Suspected, Probe Underway
A short circuit is suspected to have triggered the blaze, although officials have not established the exact cause. The municipal corporation has said a detailed investigation will be conducted to determine how the fire started.
The incident has once again drawn attention to emergency preparedness and evacuation challenges in high rise residential buildings, where smoke and fires affecting multiple floors can complicate rescue efforts.
Further details about the cause, the extent of property damage and the condition of those affected are awaited as authorities continue their assessment.
ALSO READ: Hyderabad Software Engineer Dies After Falling from 30th Floor of Apartment