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A tragic fire broke out at a residential building in Navi Mumbai on Diwali night, claiming four lives, including a 6-year-old child. Authorities are investigating the cause as rescue teams worked through the night to
Navi Mumbai: On the night of Diwali — a time usually filled with warmth, light and celebration — a devastating fire ripped through a residential high-rise in the heart of Navi Mumbai, leaving four people dead, including a six-year-old girl, and dozens of others injured and traumatised.
What happened
In the early hours of Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at around 12:30 a.m., fire broke out in flat No. 1005 (10th floor) of the Raheja Residency building in MGM Complex, Sector 14, Vashi.
From there, the blaze spread onto the 11th and 12th floors, filling corridors and flats with black smoke and flames.
Approximately forty fire-brigade personnel and eight fire-tenders responded to the emergency. The blaze was extinguished around 4:00 a.m., and cooling operations continued for several hours afterwards.
The victims
Four lives were lost:
- Vedika Balakrishnan, age 6 (residing on 12th floor)
- Sundar Balakrishnan, age 44 (Vedika’s father)
- Pooja Rajan, age 39 (Vedika’s mother)
- Kamla Hiralal Jain, age 84 (bedridden, residing on 11th floor)
Ten or more residents sustained injuries — largely due to smoke inhalation and suffocation — and were rushed to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Scene & rescue operation
The fire started late-night when most residents were asleep or celebrating Diwali in their homes. The initial flat on the 10th floor apparently had the AC unit running for a prolonged period, raising suspicions of a short-circuit being the initial trigger of the blaze.
Smoke quickly filled the stairwells and corridors, especially from the 12th floor downwards, according to on-site security and residents. One guard described:
“From the 12th floor down to the ninth, the smoke got everywhere.”
Residents report black carbon dust settled across hallways and flats. Water and debris remained on floors even after the fire was out. As one official noted, the building had to be vacated temporarily:
“The premises, covered in carbon dust and water across several floors, is unsafe to live now.”
What’s being investigated
Authorities are probing several angles:
- The cause of ignition: an AC unit short-circuit is a leading theory.
- The fire’s rapid vertical spread: officials suspect fire may have climbed via ducting, wiring or the AC system.
- Functionality of fire safety systems: sprinklers, extinguishers, and evacuation routes will be checked.
- Whether festival activities or fireworks contributed: though no official confirmation yet, some local reports suggest Diwali lighting or fireworks may have played a part.
Impact on residents & community
For the residents of Raheja Residency, the fire brought a festive night of joy to one of tragedy. Families awoke to smoke alarms, children crying, and neighbours rushing out in panic. Many witnessed friends or neighbours plunge through narrow corridors, stairs suffused in smoke, and rescue personnel braving the flames.
Those who lost everything face displacement. Some residents of B-Block were told to vacate immediately until the building is declared safe.
Wider context: Fire safety in high-rise buildings
This incident is a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in high-rise living, especially during festival nights when homes are fully lit, balconies are decorated, and fireworks may be used.
A related fire just days earlier in Kharghar saw 15 residents rescued after flames spread through an electrical meter cabin and ducting system in a 19-storey building.
As festival-related fire risks increase, authorities are urging greater vigilance by residents — such as ensuring fire-escape routes are clear, electrical installations are properly maintained, and party lighting and fireworks are used responsibly.
Key takeaways & lessons
- Confirm that smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire-extinguishers are operational in your building: check every six months.
- Keep escape routes clear — don’t stack boxes, furniture or decorations in corridors or stairwells.
- During festivals, avoid using open-flame decorations or fireworks in enclosed balconies or near flammable materials.
- If an AC or other appliance seems to be heating up unusually, turn it off, unplug it, and get it inspected.
- Ensure all residents know the building’s evacuation protocol, and conduct a fire drill if possible.
Response by authorities & what comes next
The fire brigade and building-safety officials have pledged full investigations. The civic body supporting the rescue emphasized evacuation first, then structural and safety assessments. Water and electricity in the affected block are temporarily disconnected until safe restoration.
Officials have warned society management committees of possible action if fire-safety NOCs (No Objection Certificates) are not current or if systems like sprinklers are found non-functional.
Final reflection
On a night meant for lights, laughter and family, the residents of Vashi’s Raheja Residency — and the broader Navi Mumbai community — were jolted into grief and urgency. Four lives were lost, one a beautiful child with a full future ahead. For the rest, the blast of sirens at midnight, the sight of flames climbing floors, and the long hours of uncertainty touched by smoke and sorrow, will remain remembered.
As the festive season continues, this tragedy calls for reflection: the importance of safety, the unpredictability of disaster, and the fragility of our celebrations. Let this wake-up call spur not only mourning but meaningful change — in every society, every building, every home.
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