Panic gripped the residents of Tricity Society in Kharghar Sector 35 on Sunday afternoon after a fire broke out in the building’s meter room around 12.45 pm, leaving four residents injured. According to the officials from the fire department, the blaze, caused by a short circuit in the electrical duct of the high-rise, filled upper floors with dense smoke. Several residents were trapped on the terrace, while others were affected by smoke inhalation.
Fire personnel at Tricity Society in Kharghar. PICS/AMARJEET SINGH
CIDCO Deputy Fire Officer Praveen Bhodke said, “The fire reached up to the 17th, 18th, and 19th floors through the duct. Due to smoke, around four people fell unconscious and were rushed to a nearby hospital. All are now out of danger.” A quick-response team from the fire department successfully rescued trapped residents and the blaze was later brought under control after a rigorous operation, said officials.
Bhodke also highlighted a critical safety lapse across the city’s high-rises. “Nearly 90 per cent of buildings in Navi Mumbai have ducts that are not properly sealed, which allows fire and smoke to spread rapidly. This is one of the biggest concerns during such incidents,” he said. Officials said that all residents have been safely evacuated, adding they are investigating whether proper fire safety norms were in place in the building.
