Fire in meter cabin injures 11, forces evacuation of Mumbai building
A blaze in an electrical meter cabin sent thick smoke through a residential building, leaving 11 people injured. Fire crews rushed to the scene to control the flames and rescue residents trapped inside.
A fire erupted inside an electrical meter cabin at a residential building in Mumbai on Wednesday, sending dense smoke through multiple floors and injuring at least 11 people. Emergency services responded quickly to bring the blaze under control, but not before residents faced harrowing moments as smoke filled corridors and apartments.
The fire started in the meter cabin, which houses electrical distribution equipment, and spread rapidly due to the confined space. The thick, acrid smoke billowed through the building's ventilation systems, affecting numerous residents across different levels. Fire brigade teams arrived at the scene within minutes of receiving distress calls and worked to extinguish the flames while simultaneously evacuating occupants, many of whom were struggling to breathe and navigate through the smoke-filled corridors.
Authorities confirmed that 11 people sustained injuries during the incident, with the exact nature and severity of their injuries not immediately specified. Emergency responders provided medical assistance to those affected, and some were reportedly shifted to nearby hospitals for further treatment and observation. The building's residents were safely evacuated to assembly points outside the structure once the immediate danger subsided.
Investigations into the fire's exact cause are underway. Preliminary reports suggest that an electrical short circuit or equipment malfunction in the meter cabin may have triggered the blaze, though officials are examining all possibilities. Such incidents highlight the potential dangers of aging electrical infrastructure in older residential buildings across the city.
The incident underscores the importance of regular maintenance of electrical systems and fire safety protocols in residential complexes. Building authorities are now expected to conduct thorough safety inspections of electrical installations. Residents have been advised to remain vigilant about potential fire hazards and to familiarise themselves with evacuation routes and emergency procedures.
No further incidents were reported after firefighting efforts brought the situation under control. The building's structural integrity was assessed and found to be intact, allowing residents to return to their homes once safety clearance was granted.
