Tragic Blaze in Andheri Claims Life of Senior Citizen, Raises Concerns Over Fire Safety

Andheri West, Mumbai : A devastating fire broke out on the 11th floor of the Sky Pan building in Oberoi Complex, Andheri West, on Monday night, resulting in the death of a 75-year-old man. The fire, which started around 10 pm, was extinguished by firefighters at 1:49 am, but not before claiming the life of Rahul Mishra, who succumbed to smoke inhalation. His 38-year-old son, Raunak Mishra, was hospitalized for injuries but later discharged against medical advice.

The fire destroyed electrical wiring and household belongings. Firefighters used eight engines and two turntable ladders to bring the situation under control. Despite the building's internal firefighting system being operational, it was not used during the firefighting process, prompting the Fire Brigade to investigate both the cause of the fire and the system's effectiveness.

This tragic incident highlights the increasing need for enhanced fire safety measures. Over the last six months, fires in Mumbai high-rises have claimed the lives of six senior citizens. Authorities emphasize the importance of installing state-of-the-art smoke detectors, ensuring regular checks on firefighting systems, and minimizing the use of plastic household items to prevent the creation of hazardous carbon monoxide.

Experts recommend evacuating senior citizens and children first in case of a fire, as they are especially vulnerable to smoke inhalation and carbon monoxide poisoning.