A level-4 fire was reported on the 19th storey of a residential building in Mumbai's Lalbaug area
A 30-year-old man holds on to a balcony ledge in a desperate attempt to save his life as fire engulfed a flat on the 19th floor of a high-rise in Mumbai's Lalbaug area today.
Seconds later, he loses his grip and falls to his death - his fall caught in a chilling video. Identified as Arun Tiwari, a security guard, he was taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival., news agency PTI reported.
"After the fire broke out, Arun Tiwari, a security guard, rushed to the 19th floor. Soon he realised he was trapped and, in order, to save himself he kept hanging from the balcony. He clung to the railing for several minutes before losing his grip and falling," news agency PTI said, quoting an official.
The level 4 (major) fire was reported from south Mumbai's One Avigha Park - a luxury residential building - around noon, after which 14 fire engines were rushed to the spot.
A few hours later a Mumbai civil official said the blaze had been brought under control and fire safety officials were inside the building to ascertain the cause of the incident.
"Our fire brigade officials reached as soon as they had information at 11:55 am. By then the fire had reached the 20th floor. The person who jumped from the building has died. There were other people in the building but they were saved. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the fire. Action will be taken against the culprits," Iqbal Chahal, Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, said.
This is the second major fire-related incident reported from the city in two months.
Last month a fire broke out on the top floor of a seven-storey residential building in suburban Borivali. A fireman received eight to 12 per cent burn injuries as fire safety officials attempted to bring the blaze under control.