4 killed in Mumbai highrise blaze

At least four people, including a 62-year-old woman, were killed and 16 others injured after a major fire broke out in a high-rise residential building in Mumbai's Parel area on Wednesday, officials said.

The blaze erupted on the 12th floor of the 17-storey Crystal Tower and quickly spread to the 13th floor and neighbouring flats, leaving several residents trapped inside the building.

The Mumbai Fire Brigade deployed 12 fire tenders, a snorkel and other specialised equipment to bring the flames under control and carry out rescue operations. Firefighters managed to evacuate around 20 people who had been stranded inside the building.

Two of the deceased were identified as Shubhada Shelke, 62, and Bablu Shaikh, 36. Authorities were working to establish the identities of the other two victims.

Among those injured was fireman Sandeep Manjre. An official said the other injured included nine men and six women.

The exact cause of the fire was yet to be established. Officials, however, suspected that an electrical short-circuit may have triggered the blaze.

The incident has also raised questions about fire safety arrangements in the residential tower. Some residents claimed that the building lacked adequate firefighting equipment and proper emergency escape routes.

Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar, who reached the site after the incident, said an investigation would be conducted to determine whether any safety regulations had been violated.

He said appropriate action would be taken if violations were found.

The incident once again highlights the risks faced by residents of high-rise buildings during fires, particularly when flames spread rapidly and emergency evacuation becomes difficult. Officials were expected to examine the building's fire-safety systems as part of the investigation.