A fire erupted on the 23rd floor of a 25-storey residential complex in Mumbai’s Ghatkopar East area on Friday evening, November 6, 2026, resulting in the hospitalisation of three individuals. The incident occurred at the Royal Altezza building situated on Vallabh Baug Lane in the Pant Nagar neighbourhood. According to reports from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), emergency responders received an alert regarding the blaze at 8:08 p.m.
The Mumbai Fire Brigade promptly arrived at the scene and initiated containment efforts. The situation was initially categorised as a Level-I fire at 8:30 p.m., but as the flames persisted, the intensity of the response was escalated to a Level-II call by 8:52 p.m. To ensure the safety of all occupants, the entire building was evacuated under the supervision of the fire department and local officials. No fatalities were recorded during the evacuation process or the subsequent firefighting operation.
Regarding the status of those affected, local authorities confirmed that all three hospitalised individuals are in stable condition. One injured person, identified as 45-year-old Sainath Awale, sustained approximately 27% burn injuries and was transported to Rajawadi Hospital for treatment. Meanwhile, two other individuals, Nirav Lodaya (34) and Rajesh Lodaya (47), were admitted to Zynova Hospital. Additionally, two children who were reportedly suffering from smoke inhalation were also provided medical attention at Zynova Hospital.
Preliminary findings from the police investigation suggest that the blaze was sparked by a short circuit. Deputy Commissioner of Police (East Zone 2), Ganesh Shinde, stated that the fire appears to have originated while residents were using an electric drill to install fairy lights in preparation for the upcoming Deepavali festival. The drilling process reportedly triggered the electrical fault that led to the fire.
Following the successful containment of the blaze, city officials took immediate measures to secure the site. Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde arrived at the location on Friday night to conduct an on-site review of the relief and rescue operations. She was accompanied by local MLA Parag Shah and corporators Suresh Awale and Dharmesh Giri, who supervised the coordination between various departments, including the Mumbai Fire Brigade, local police, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited, and the Public Works Department.
As part of the ongoing safety assessment, authorities have mandated that the building remain closed until clearance is provided by both the fire department and the state electricity utility. Residents were advised by local officials to seek temporary accommodation with neighbours or family members in the city for the night and to arrange for their own meals as the building remains inaccessible. While the fire has been brought under control, the exact extent of the material damage caused by the incident has not yet been determined by the authorities.
The incident has drawn attention to the necessity of fire safety precautions, particularly during periods of increased electrical usage for festival decorations. Municipal workers and ward staff remained mobilised throughout the night to assist with the aftermath. Further investigation into the specific circumstances surrounding the electrical fault will continue as the authorities work to ensure the structural safety of the high-rise before allowing residents to return to their homes.
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