Bandra MTNL fire: No casualties reported, around 100 rescued

Rescue operations at MTNL building. Pic/ Anurag Kamble

A massive fire broke out at the Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL building) which is located in KC Marg, near the Bandra fire station in Bandra West, Mumbai. The Mumbai Fire Department categorised the fire as a level-4 fire at the Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL) building in Bandra area on Monday afternoon, said a PTI report.

Reportedly, more than 25 fire appliance including Fire Engines, Special Hydraulic Ladders, Jumbo/water tankers, Robofire, Rescue Van, Breathing Set Vans were used to douse the fire. As per MTNL authorities, all the people trapped in the building have been rescued. Nearly, 150 officers have been involved in the rescue operation. It is one of the biggest successful Fire Fighting and Rescue Operation in recent time in the country.

Earlier the in the day, approximately 100 people are reportedly trapped on the terrace of the building. A fire brigade official said that as it is a working day, most MTNL employees were present inside the building.

News channels shared several visuals and videos on social media. Smoke could be seen coming out of the building as firefighters were making efforts to bring the fire under control. Reports suggested that the fire was confined on the third and fourth floor of the ground plus nine-floor building and many people are feared trapped on the upper floors and terrace. At least 14 fire engines were deployed by the Mumbai fire brigade for the rescue operation.

Also Read: Watch video: Fire at MTNL building in Bandra; several feared trapped

The MTNL fire incident occurred a day after a fire broke out on the third floor of Churchill Chambers, a building behind the Taj Mahal Hotel in Colaba around 12.15 pm, killing one person and injuring two. A resident, Shyam Aiyyar, 54, died while another, Yusuf Punawala, 43, who inhaled smoke, was admitted to the Bombay Hospital. A fireman, Bhurmal Santosh Patil from Mandvi Fire Station, who also inhaled smoke, was given First Aid. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Also Read: Colaba fire: Firemen didn't believe that man was trapped, alleges girlfriend

Thick smoke filled the stairs of the building that is almost a century old, trapping residents in their third-floor flats. Some were also trapped in the passage on the third floor from where they were rescued. In all 15 residents were rescued.

Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also, download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get the latest updates