Fire breaks out in multi storied building in South Mumbai

It was a close shave for a city-based builder’s family who reside in the swanky Legend Towers, a 32-storey building in Walkeshwar, after a fire broke out on the 18th floor in their duplex flat late on Monday afternoon. A quick evacuation facilitated by alert security staff saved the day for the residents.

It is suspected a short circuit sparked the fire and an investigation is under way.

According to the officials, the fire broke out around 4 pm in the house of builder Vimal ‘Vyomesh’ Shah, managing director of Hubtown Ltd, formerly called Ackruti.

Four of the family members were on the 17th floor of the duplex when they realised there was a fire.

They immediately alerted other residents of the building,” said a fire official.

The tower’s efficient firefighting mechanism prevented the blaze from spreading to other floors, said appreciative fire brigade officials, who also applauded the residents’ alertness. The blaze was fully subdued after a two-hour-long operation.

Chief Fire Officer Prabhat Rahangdale said, “The fire was brought under control at 5.30 pm and the cooling process continued for over an hour.” He added that the fire was confined to electric wiring, electric installation, carpet, decoratives, clothes and other valuables on the 17th and 18th floors in a 3,600-4,000-square-foot area.

Divisional Fire Officer S D Sawant said, “The fire could have spread to other flats had the internal firefighting system not been in place.” He said they tried to control the fire with extinguishers but since it was spreading rapidly, they had to deploy more resources.

Shah, in whose house the fire broke out, said, “The cause of the fire can only be ascertained after fire officials complete their investigation. As of now, what matters is that everyone is safe.”

Bela Desai, a fourth-floor resident, said, “I was alone at home when it happened. My domestic help heard people sounding an alarm about the fire and we raced out of the house down the stairs.”