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A devastating fire engulfed a double-storey shop-cum-residential building in Mumbai's Chembur area on Sunday morning, claiming the lives of seven individuals, including three minors. The incident, which occurred at 5:20 am, sent shockwaves through the city, highlighting the fragility of life and the need for enhanced safety measures in urban environments.
The fire, which began at the ground floor of the structure used as a shop, quickly spread to the upper floor where families resided. The cause of the blaze has yet to be determined, but initial reports suggest it may have originated from faulty electrical wiring or installations within the shop. The fire department responded swiftly to the emergency, dispatching fire engines, water tankers, and other support personnel. By 9:15 am, firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze, but the damage had already been done.
The seven victims, identified as Paris Gupta (7), Manju Prem Gupta (30), Anita Gupta (39), Prem Gupta (30), Narendra Gupta (10), Vidhi Chediram Gupta (15), and Gitadevi Dharamdev Gupta (60), were rushed to the Rajawadi Hospital, but sadly, all were declared dead upon arrival. The tragic incident has sparked widespread grief and sorrow, prompting authorities to take immediate action. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, who visited the site and met with the families of the victims, expressed his condolences and announced a high-level probe into the incident.
To provide support to the bereaved families, the CM announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for each deceased individual. He also assured that the cost of treatment for the injured would be borne by the government. Recognizing the need for preventative measures to avoid such tragedies in the future, the CM pledged to address any hurdles in the slum rehabilitation process, suggesting that potential safety hazards within such structures may have contributed to the severity of the fire. The CM was accompanied by Union minister Ramdas Athawale during his visit.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety and the need for proactive measures to prevent such tragedies. The investigation into the cause of the fire will likely focus on identifying potential safety violations within the building, including the condition of electrical wiring and installations, as well as the adequacy of fire safety equipment and emergency evacuation procedures. It is hoped that this tragic event will lead to a renewed emphasis on fire safety awareness and compliance throughout the city and beyond.
Source: 7 killed as fire breaks out in shop-cum-residential building in Mumbai; CM orders probe