Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Feb 15: A major fire broke out in the basement parking area of a residential building in Dombivli East, triggering panic among residents and leaving five persons injured on Sunday.

According to sources, a motorcycle parked in the basement suddenly caught fire, which quickly spread to other vehicles. In total, 29 additional vehicles were gutted in the blaze, resulting in significant property loss.

The incident occurred in the parking area shared by two adjoining residential complexes — Raj Apartments and Radhikaran Society. Thick smoke and flames rapidly spread through the staircases to the upper floors, causing widespread panic among residents.

Children and elderly occupants reportedly experienced breathing difficulties due to the dense smoke and rushed out of their homes in fear.

As the flames engulfed the basement, a few residents from both buildings attempted to douse the fire. However, their efforts proved futile and five of them sustained burn injuries. The injured were immediately shifted to a nearby hospital and are currently undergoing treatment.

Upon receiving information, the Kalyan-Dombivli Municipal Corporation dispatched fire tenders to the spot. After nearly an hour of intense firefighting operations, the blaze was brought under control.

Authorities confirmed that no fatalities were reported, owing to the swift response of the fire department. However, property worth lakhs of rupees was destroyed in the incident.

Preliminary reports indicate that a short circuit may have triggered the fire. Further investigation is underway.