Mumbai fire: Nearly 80 people evacuated to Andheri building roof

Mumbai: Nearly 80 residents of an apartment building in Mumbai were rushed to the terrace today after a major fire began this morning at 11.45 am.

Eight fire engines and five water tankers spent 1.5 hours battling the fire, which began on the 12th floor of the 17-storey building in Andheri-West.

The cause of the fire at Kanchanganga Apartments is yet to be identified.

13-yr-old Shivansh, who stays on the 16th floor of the building, told NDTV that he had just returned from school when he realised there was a fire on the 12th floor.

The residents quickly rushed towards the terrace, broke open the door and on the way, helped other residents towards the terrace as well, he added.

"It was very scary to be trapped on the terrace, knowing that there was a fire raging under you... I also heard some cylinder blast sounds. I am glad it's all over but I'm worried as my exams are going on and I have my biology paper tomorrow. I do not know what state the house would be in and whether I'd be able to find my book to study," Shivansh said.

Uday Tatkare, Chief Fire Officer, Mumbai Fire Brigade said, "The fire was fierce, you could see the flames coming out. Because it was a high rise building, we had to be extra cautious. My officers told the residents to stay on the terrace where they made sure they were safe till they cud be brought down to safety."

He also said at least two people have been injured in the fire and others complained of suffocation.

For the residents who had managed to escape to safety after the fire was put out, there were tearful reunions though most were clearly still in a state of shock.