Categories
A significant fire broke out on the 42nd floor of one of the twin towers of the Salsette 27 complex in Byculla, South Mumbai, on Friday morning. According to officials, the blaze started around 10:45 am at the residential property located on Babasaheb Ambedkar Road.
Emergency services, including teams from the fire brigade, BEST, police, and 108 ambulance services, were swiftly mobilized to contain the fire and ensure residents’ safety. Thankfully, no casualties or injuries have been reported so far, though the cause of the fire is still under investigation.
Dramatic visuals shared by news agency PTI showed thick black smoke billowing from the building’s glass facade, visible from a distance.
Firefighters battled the blaze for several hours, using advanced firefighting equipment to access the upper floors of the high-rise. The building’s height and the intensity of the flames made the operation challenging, but the responders worked tirelessly to prevent the fire from spreading to adjacent floors or structures.
Residents of the building were evacuated promptly, with many recounting their harrowing experiences. “I smelled smoke and heard the fire alarms go off. We rushed down the stairs as quickly as possible,” said one resident. Another resident praised the fire brigade’s quick response: “They arrived within minutes and took control of the situation. We’re grateful no one was hurt.”
Local authorities have cordoned off the area, and an investigation is underway to determine the fire’s origin. Preliminary reports suggest that an electrical short circuit might be a possible cause, though officials are considering other possibilities as well. The building’s management has assured residents that safety audits will be conducted, and necessary repairs will begin immediately.
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s civic body, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), has reiterated the importance of regular fire safety drills in high-rise buildings. A senior BMC official stated, “This incident highlights the need for stringent safety protocols. We urge all residential societies to review their fire safety systems and conduct regular evacuation drills.”
Recent Fire Incidents in Mumbai
This incident follows two other fire outbreaks in Mumbai on February 22. A blaze erupted in a five-storey residential building at Marine Lines, South Mumbai, with no injuries reported as residents on upper floors were safely evacuated. The fire was confined to a 2,000-square-foot flat, affecting electrical wiring, furniture, and household items, and was extinguished by 2:10 pm.
On the same day, another fire broke out at the rooftop facility of Hotel Fairmont, a 10-storey building near Terminal 2 of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Vile Parle (East). Approximately 70 to 80 people were safely evacuated via the staircase, and the fire was brought under control within 90 minutes without any reported injuries.
The spate of recent fire incidents has sparked concern among Mumbai residents, especially those living in high-rises. Experts stress the need for regular maintenance of electrical systems and strict compliance with fire safety norms.
Fire safety consultant Ramesh Iyer commented, “Mumbai’s skyline is dotted with high-rise buildings, and fire safety needs to be a top priority. Regular inspections, proper signage, functioning fire extinguishers, and clear evacuation plans can make a significant difference during emergencies.”
The Maharashtra government has also taken note of the recent incidents and announced plans to enhance the city’s firefighting capabilities. Proposals include acquiring high-capacity fire trucks, increasing firefighter recruitment, and setting up more fire stations across the city.
For now, residents of Salsette 27 are focused on rebuilding and recovering from the incident. Many have temporarily relocated to nearby hotels or relatives’ homes as cleanup operations and damage assessments are carried out.
A community meeting has been scheduled to address residents’ concerns and outline the next steps for restoring the building. The management has promised full cooperation and support for affected residents, including assistance with insurance claims and temporary accommodations.
Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the Salsette 27 fire, while reinforcing safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
As Mumbai continues to grow vertically, incidents like this serve as a stark reminder of the importance of preparedness, vigilance, and collective responsibility to ensure the safety of all residents in the city’s ever-expanding urban landscape.
Also Read : Corrupt Cop Caught — Investigation Launched 2025
