At least five people were killed when a massive fire broke out in a housing society in Chembur, in suburban Mumbai. Fire department found it difficult to douse the blaze of the level three fire and by the time, people were recovered, four senior citizens and one middle-aged person had already died. One person facing severe suffocation has been admitted to hospital. A firefighter too is currently admitted to the hospital.

The fire broke out around 8 PM on Thursday. The incident happened on the 10th floor of the Sargam society. The 16 floor high-rise is located at Tilak Nagar in Chembur. Soon the fire engines rushed to the spot. The level 2 fire was upgraded to level 3 seeing the intensity of the blaze and more engines were pressed into service to get the fire under control.

 Five fire tender rushed to the Mhada residential building but faced difficulty due to narrow lanes. Earlier Mumbai Fire Brigade declared it level Two fire on the scale of 5, but after a cylinder blast, the fire and smoke spread rapidly on the top floors.

As per the eyewitnesses, the fire broke out on the 11 th floor home, where lighting and decoration made for Christmas celebration. The blaze erupted due to short circuit. After the blaze erupted, residents run for the safe place. Though the fire engine reached in time, narrow lanes block them.

The injured have been taken to Rajawadi hospital. However, according to Dr Inamdar, from the hospital, five people were brought dead. They are Sunita Joshi (72), Bhalchandra Joshi (72), Suman Joshi (83)., Sarala Gangar (52), Lakshmiben Gangar (83). Srinivas Joshi has been rushed to the hospital and is suffering from suffocation. One of the fireman Chagan Singh is admitted to hospital after falling ill during the operation.

The fire has been brought under control, but its cause will be known only after an inquiry.Fire brigade personnel are searching the building to ascertain if there are more casualties.Local residents said indiscriminate parking of vehicles in the area delayed the arrival of fire brigade tankers and equipment.