Fire on 23rd floor of 25-storey Ghatkopar residential building, no casualties reported

A major fire broke out on the 23rd floor of Kukreja Palace, a 25-storey residential building in Ghatkopar East, Mumbai, on Friday evening, causing panic in the area. Ten fire engines reached the spot on receiving the news.

According to preliminary information from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the call about the fire came at around 7:56 pm. Firefighters reached the spot at 8:15 pm, and the blaze was declared a Level 1 fire at 8:30 pm. The building is on Vallabh Baug Lane in the Pant Nagar area of Ghatkopar East. Several vehicles, including ambulances, and emergency vehicles were dispatched immediately.

A video from the spot shows part of the upper floors of the building engulfed in fierce flames. Black smoke is spreading across the night sky and flames are leaping out of several windows. Fortunately, no one lost their life. Mumbai Police, Adani, the Public Works Department (PWD) and ward staff were also deployed alongside the firefighters.

According to the fire brigade and Mumbai Police, the fire is under control for now. MLA Parag Shah said some workers felt a little of the heat from the fire, but it has now been brought under control. He said every building's firefighting arrangements should be strong. According to him, today's fire was not caused by firecrackers, but everyone should be careful while bursting them.

Mayor Ritu Tawde called it an unfortunate incident. According to her, a mother and son were in the house when the fire broke out, along with some workers. Fortunately, no one was hurt. The fire brigade team is engaged in putting out the fire. She appealed to people to be careful with firecrackers as it is the Diwali festival. If lighting or other work is under way at home, one member of the household must be there to watch over it. It is extremely important for people to stay careful, she said.