Seven Injured in Fire at Kandivali Chawl, Mumbai; Cause Suspected to Be Electrical

Mumbai | September 24, 2025 Seven people were hospitalized with serious burn injuries after a fire broke out at a residential chawl in Kandivali (East), Mumbai, on Wednesday morning. According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Disaster Management Cell, the blaze started around 9:05 AM in a shop located on the ground floor of a ground-plus-one-storied structure and quickly spread to surrounding areas, affecting residents nearby. The injured have been identified as Shivani Gandhi (51), Nitu Gupta (31), Janaki Gupta (39), Manaram Kumacat (55), Raksha Joshi (47), Durga Gupta (30), and Poonam (28). Among them, Raksha Joshi, Durga Gupta, and Poonam sustained severe burn injuries covering 85 to 90 percent of their bodies, while the remaining victims suffered burns covering 70 to 80 percent. Mumbai Fire Brigade officials responded swiftly to the incident. The fire was brought under control within 20 minutes, preventing it from spreading to other parts of the chawl. “The blaze remained largely confined to the electrical installation and kitchen area of the shop, which stored items including edibles, LPG cylinders, and other gas containers. Quick action by the fire brigade prevented further escalation,” a fire official said. While the exact cause of the fire is still under investigation, preliminary evidence points toward an electrical fault, possibly involving a wire or installation. Authorities continue to assess the scene to determine the precise origin and nature of the spark that triggered the blaze. Following the incident, the seven victims were initially taken to ESCI and BDBA Hospitals for immediate treatment. Later, they were shifted to Kasturba Hospital for specialized care, where they remain under close observation. Officials have confirmed that the injured are receiving treatment for extensive burn injuries and are in stable condition. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety in densely populated chawl areas, where electrical installations are often outdated and buildings are tightly packed. The BMC and fire authorities have urged residents and shopkeepers to ensure proper maintenance of electrical wiring and installation of fire safety equipment to prevent such accidents in the future. Local residents recounted the panic as the fire erupted. “We heard a loud crackling sound, and smoke filled the stairways within minutes. People started screaming and rushed out of their homes. Thankfully, the fire brigade arrived quickly, otherwise it could have been worse,” said one resident of the area. The fire in Kandivali serves as a reminder of the risks posed by old electrical installations in Mumbai’s older residential clusters. Authorities have vowed to conduct a thorough investigation and implement stricter safety protocols in similar structures across the city to avoid recurrence of such incidents. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the victims receive full medical care and on reinforcing fire safety measures across the region. Residents are being advised to report faulty wiring or potential hazards immediately to prevent Fire Breaks Out in Kandivali Chawl, Seven Injured A fire broke out on Wednesday morning in a ground-floor shop of a residential chawl in Kandivali (East), Mumbai, leaving seven people seriously injured. Preliminary reports suggest an electrical fault may have sparked the blaze. The victims, including Raksha Joshi, Durga Gupta, and Poonam, sustained burns ranging from 70 to 90 percent and were rushed to Kasturba Hospital for treatment. Firefighters contained the flames within 20 minutes, preventing further damage. Authorities continue to investigate the exact cause. Residents are urged to maintain electrical safety measures to prevent such accidents in the densely populated area.