Fire breaks out at Mumbai’s Aayakar Bhavan, several feared trapped

A fire erupted at Mumbai's Aayakar Bhavan on Monday afternoon, trapping several individuals on higher floors. No casualties have been reported thus far. Approximately 1,500 people, primarily employees, were present inside the seven-story building on Maharshi Karve Road in Churchgate when the flames ignited. The fire was reported at 2:01 pm and promptly escalated to a Level I fire at 2:10 pm.

According to senior officials from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, the blaze remained contained to the basement area. However, the intense smoke from the flames caused temporary alarm near the Churchgate station. Rescuers managed to evacuate at least 15 individuals from the first three floors by utilizing the staircase. The search and rescue operation extended to the terrace, where additional stranded individuals were safely transported to safety.

The Mumbai Fire Brigade initially mobilized three fire engines, three jumbo water tankers, and supplementary equipment to combat the inferno. Firefighters donning breathing apparatus were actively engaged in the firefighting efforts. Over 1,500 evacuees were successfully relocated, while 29 people remained trapped on various floors. The official rescue count stands at 29 individuals, with eight of them found sheltering on the terrace, which were extricated utilizing a turntable ladder.