A tragic fire claimed the life of a 73-year-old woman in Mumbai's Lokhandwala area on Saturday. The blaze erupted in her fourth-floor flat at Breeze apartment, located in Andheri West.
Fire Breaks Out in Residential Building
The Mumbai Fire Brigade received an emergency call around 11:15 am. Officials reported that flames quickly spread across a closed room on the second floor of the ground-plus-seven-storey structure. The fire originated specifically in flat number 402.
Firefighting teams rushed to the scene immediately. They worked diligently to contain the blaze, bringing it under control by 12:09 pm. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Investigators from the fire brigade and civic authorities are continuing their probe to determine what sparked the deadly incident.
Victim Identified as Hiru Chetalani
During rescue operations, firefighters discovered Hiru Chetalani unconscious inside the burning flat. Rescuers quickly transported her to Cooper Hospital for emergency treatment.
Doctors at the hospital examined her upon arrival. Unfortunately, they declared her brought dead. No other injuries were reported from the fire incident. The tragedy has left the community in shock and mourning.
Long-Standing Safety Concerns
Residents of Lokhandwala have been voicing concerns about fire safety for decades. They have persistently demanded a promised fire station at Chitrakoot Ground. This demand has remained unfulfilled for forty years.
Breeze apartment itself is a forty-year-old society. It stands on Cross Road Number 3 in Lokhandwala, right beside the High Point restaurant. The building's age adds to residents' worries about safety infrastructure.
Neighbors Describe the Scene
Neighbors revealed that Chetalani lived alone in her apartment. She was bedridden and required constant care. Her sons, who reside in a neighboring apartment, would bring her food daily.
On Saturday morning, the maid arrived for work and made a horrifying discovery. She noticed smoke billowing from Chetalani's flat. The maid immediately alerted residents and security personnel.
They used a spare key to open the door. Inside, the flat was completely filled with thick smoke. Trained security staff sprang into action. They used fire extinguishers to spray the flames, attempting to control the blaze.
Chetalani was found lying in her bed, which was actively burning. Her sons had been alerted by neighbors about the emergency. They rushed to the scene and transported their mother to the hospital. Sadly, their efforts proved too late to save her life.
Quick Response Prevented Greater Tragedy
The building watchman played a crucial role in the emergency response. He told reporters that he rushed to turn off the piped gas supply and electricity as soon as the fire was reported.
"We were fortunate that the fire did not spread further," he said. "It was contained quickly thanks to immediate action. Police and fire brigade officials responded promptly to our calls for help."
This incident highlights the importance of having trained personnel and proper safety equipment in residential buildings. It also underscores the urgent need for better fire infrastructure in older neighborhoods.
The community now waits for investigation results while grieving their loss. Many residents hope this tragedy will finally prompt authorities to address their long-standing demand for a local fire station.
