Rescue operations began swiftly following a massive fire that broke out at a commercial-residential complex in central Mumbai on Wednesday evening at approximately 7:30 PM, when Lotus Heights building in Dadar area caught ablaze and sent thick plumes of smoke billowing out, prompting firefighters to battle towering flames and thick plumes of smoke, prompting an enormous emergency response response that left at least four confirmed victims as rescue operations were launched to try and put it out.
Local authorities believe the fire may have started on the sixth-floor tower before rapidly spreading upwards, prompting emergency responders from all across the city to rush in with over 20 fire tenders, multiple water tankers and ladder units in an effort to contain and evacuate residents trapped inside.
“A distress call came in at approximately 7:40 PM and within minutes teams were deployed; upon arriving the fire had already spread throughout several floors,” stated Chief Fire Officer Dinesh Rathore. Our first priority was rescuing those inside and preventing further spreading to adjacent structures.
Eyewitnesses reported chaotic scenes as panicked residents desperately attempted to flee through smoke-filled stairwells while emergency responders used cranes and ladders to rescue others on balconies. Multiple people, including children, were treated on site for smoke inhalation or minor injuries before at least 27 were transferred to nearby hospitals for additional care.
At midnight, firefighters had successfully brought the fire under control while ongoing cooling operations continued into early morning hours. “The fire has been extinguished but we will still go through each room to ensure there are no hotspots or trapped individuals,” according to Rathore.
Local officials confirmed that structural engineers are currently conducting an assessment to ascertain whether or not the building remains safe for reentry. Initial findings suggest the fire may have started from an electrical short circuit within one of the apartment units; however, further investigations are currently ongoing.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed sorrow over the incident and applauded the prompt actions taken by fire services to put out the flames quickly and save numerous lives. “My condolences go out to all those affected; our firefighters’ bravery saved countless lives today, while an investigation will begin into its cause,” he stated.
Displaced residents have been temporarily relocated to municipal shelters, and arrangements are being made for food and essential supplies. Civic authorities are providing counselling support and are helping those who lost items or documents in the fire get documented quickly.
This tragic event has once more drawn attention to fire safety standards in densely-populated urban residential towers. Activists and local lawmakers alike are calling for tighter enforcement of safety norms, regular inspections, and increased public awareness to prevent similar disasters in future.
Rescue and recovery operations remain focused on supporting affected families while assuring structural integrity of buildings. Further updates should be available following official fire department and municipal investigations.