A devastating fire broke out on Sunday afternoon in a high-rise residential building at New Jankalyan Society, Shanti Nagar, Dahisar East, leaving a 75-year-old woman dead and 18 others injured. The deceased was identified as Shanti Bachole Gosai. According to officials, over 40 residents trapped on the upper floors of the 23-storey building were safely rescued by the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB).

The blaze erupted around 3 PM in the basement and quickly spread through electrical ducts and wiring, causing thick smoke to engulf multiple floors. Residents on higher levels were left stranded, forcing emergency crews to conduct large-scale evacuations using hydraulic ladders, high-rise fire-fighting vehicles, and quick-response units

It took nearly three hours of intense efforts for firefighters to bring the blaze under control. Station Officer S.K. Mohite confirmed that Gosai was found unconscious on the first floor, likely due to smoke inhalation while attempting to use the staircase. She was rushed to the hospital but declared dead.

Around 3–4 victims are in critical condition, with one admitted to the civic-run Shatabdi Hospital and 17 others receiving treatment at private hospitals.

Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have originated from a short circuit in the building’s meter box. Authorities have launched an investigation to confirm the exact cause and assess safety lapses.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over fire safety preparedness in Mumbai’s high-rise buildings, particularly the vulnerability of residents when electrical faults trigger large-scale emergencies.