Mumbai Fire: 28 Rescued from Aayakar Bhavan Blaze

A fire broke out in the basement of Aayakar Bhavan, a ground-plus-six-storey Income Tax office in Churchgate, on Monday afternoon. At least 28 people were rescued by the Mumbai Fire Brigade team. No injuries were reported in the incident, according to fire officials.

The fire was reported at Aaykar Bhavan on Maharshi Karve Road, Churchgate, at around 2.01 pm on Monday. The building comprises a basement, ground floor, and six upper floors. The blaze generated thick smoke, spreading across nearly 7,000-8,000 sq ft of the basement, affecting electrical wiring and installations, stored records, paper stock, scrap material, and wooden partitions.

Over eight fire engines were pressed into service as firefighting operations continued through the afternoon. Twenty firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus entered the smoke-filled premises, using multiple hose lines to contain the blaze. Smoke extractors and broken window panes were used to improve ventilation and clear the building of dense smoke.

The building sees hundreds of employees and visitors every day. Colleagues and the building's alarm system alerted staff in time, helping many evacuate the upper floors safely, an official said. However, the lunchtime fire caught many off guard, with most rushing to evacuate, while a few initially mistook it for a minor blaze and continued working.

As the fire intensified, thick smoke made evacuation difficult, prompting the fire brigade to rescue those still trapped inside, an employee said. Firefighters safely evacuated 15 people from the first three floors through the staircase. A further five to six people were rescued from the first floor using an Angus ladder, while eight people stranded on the terrace were brought down with the help of a turntable ladder.

The heavy smoke posed a major challenge during the evacuation, with some employees finding it difficult to navigate the staircase, especially those with breathing problems. The lift was also out of service, leaving the staircase as the only viable escape route, said a fire official.

Police, Income Tax officials, and security personnel searched the premises to check for any missing or injured employees. Traffic was also halted on the road outside Churchgate railway station, opposite Cement House, as rescue and firefighting operations continued.

The incident highlights the importance of fire safety measures and evacuation procedures in commercial buildings. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and an investigation is underway.

The rescue operation was successful, and all those trapped inside were safely evacuated. The incident could have been worse if not for the prompt response of the fire brigade and the building's alarm system.

In conclusion, the fire at Aayakar Bhavan in Churchgate was a major incident that could have had severe consequences. However, thanks to the quick response of the fire brigade and the building's safety measures, all those trapped inside were safely rescued, and no injuries were reported.