Shrutika Patil, Pune
A fire broke out in the Galaxy Hotel in Mumbai’s Santacruz neighbourhood on Sunday Afternoon, leaving three people dead and five others hurt.
The distressing incident unfolded on the third floor of the ground-plus four-storey hotel around 1:17 pm, prompting an immediate deployment of four fire tenders and an equal number of water tankers to battle the blaze.
The Mumbai Fire Brigade indicated that the fire remained confined to room number 103 and 203, where electric wiring, electric installations, split AC units, curtains, mattresses, and wooden furniture fueled the flames. Additionally, the fire affected the common electric duct, along with laundry cloths and blankets in the staircase lobby from the first to the third floor.
Firefighters effectively combated the blaze using three small hose lines and a high-pressure first aid line. The fire, categorized as Level 1, was successfully extinguished by 3:20 pm.
Tragically, the lives of Rupal Kanji (25), Kishan (28), and Kantilal Gordhan Vara (48) were claimed by the fire, as VN Desai hospital authorities declared them brought dead. Alfa Vakhariya (19) and Manjula Vakhariya (49) sustained injuries and are presently receiving medical care.
Ravindra Ambulgekar, Chief Fire Brigade Officer of Mumbai, expressed, “Although our fire brigade personnel effectively contained the fire within a span of two hours, thick smoke engulfed the building. We are diligently investigating the cause of the fire, and subsequent actions against the hotel will be determined based on the findings.”
He further shared that despite the hotel’s compliance with fire safety norms during its construction in 2005-2006, the building’s age might have contributed to the challenges faced during the operation. Around 7-8 people were successfully evacuated from the premises, with the hotel staff also contributing to the rescue efforts.
Tragedy has struck the Santacruz region earlier this month as well when a senior citizen lost their life in a fire at a residential building on Tagore Road. The incident, which occurred on August 15, spurred a swift response from the Mumbai Fire Brigade to minimize the damage and ensure the safety of residents.