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Three individuals lost their lives, while two others sustained injuries following a fire outbreak at Galaxy Hotel near Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport. According to Mumbai Fire Brigade personnel, the hotel lacked an integrated firefighting system apart from conventional fire extinguishers. It took more than an hour to control the flames, and investigators suspect a short circuit might have been the cause.
The victims were passengers in transit, accommodated at the three-star hotel by an airline due to a 14-hour flight delay to Nairobi. The deceased were identified as Rupal Kanji (25), Kishan (28), and Kantilal Gordhan Vara who had arrived in Mumbai to catch their flight to Nairobi and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), checked into the hotel at approximately 5 am on Sunday. Their flight was scheduled to depart around 7 pm.
The event occurred at approximately 1.17 pm. According to the Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), the fire started from the air-conditioner's duct outside room number 204 on the second floor. Subsequently, it spread to the first and third floors. The flames were contained within the electrical ducts, telephone wiring units, and cables. The deceased individuals were residing in rooms 204 and 304.
MFB officials noted that the presence of combustible materials like clothing and wooden furniture intensified the fire. The fire originated on the second floor and rapidly extended to the other levels. The victims sustained severe burns and perished. The corridor was filled with smoke, leading to their suffocation.
The hotel was built in 1966, a time when Mumbai didn't enforce DCPR regulations. Hence, there was no requirement for installing integrated fire suppression systems or sprinklers within the hotel. The only available firefighting equipment was extinguishing cylinders. The presence of smoke engulfed the hallways and major sections of the building, making search and rescue efforts challenging. The firefighters had to position extension ladders from the building's exterior to facilitate the rescue of individuals.
The tragic fire outbreak near Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport has left a profound impact, claiming the lives of three individuals and leaving two others injured. This heart-wrenching incident has shed light on the critical need for stringent fire safety measures, especially in older establishments like the Galaxy Hotel. The absence of integrated firefighting systems and the presence of combustible materials exacerbated the situation, leading to a devastating outcome. As we mourn the deceased, one must also reflect on the importance of fire safety regulations and their implementation in all establishments to prevent such tragedies in the future.
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