Mumbai High-Rise Fire Claims Life, Injures Several in Dahisar Blaze

A devastating fire erupted in a 23-storey residential building in Mumbai’s Dahisar East on Sunday, September 7, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. The blaze, which began around 3:00 PM, originated in the basement due to a faulty electrical wire and rapidly spread through the building’s electric duct, officials reported. The fire was extinguished by 6:10 PM after a three-hour firefighting operation involving seven fire engines.

The Mumbai Fire Brigade responded swiftly, deploying a robust rescue operation that saved 36 residents, including men, women, and children. Of those rescued, 19 were admitted to nearby hospitals for treatment. One woman succumbed to her injuries, while a differently-abled girl remains in critical condition. A four-year-old boy is also critically injured and receiving care at Northern Care Hospital. Five others are under treatment, with one patient each at Pragati Hospital and Shatabdi Hospital.

The fire, classified as a Level-II blaze, filled the high-rise with thick smoke, complicating rescue efforts. Despite these challenges, emergency services managed to contain the flames, which were confined to the seventh floor and electrical infrastructure. Preliminary investigations point to a malfunctioning electric wire as the cause, though a detailed probe is underway to confirm this.

This incident adds to growing concerns about fire safety in Mumbai’s high-rise buildings, with recurring incidents exposing lapses in compliance. The quick response of the fire brigade and police prevented a higher casualty toll, but the tragedy underscores the need for improved safety measures in residential towers. Local authorities are expected to review the findings of the ongoing investigation to address these critical issues.