Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 14: Two women in their 50s died after a massive fire broke out at the Imperial Heights building on Nalasopara-Vasai Link Road around midnight.

The deceased have been identified as Falguni Shah and Ashwini Parkar. Preliminary information suggests that they may have died due to suffocation caused by smoke inhalation. The exact cause of death will be confirmed after the post-mortem examination, said Dr Kavita Jagada, in-charge of Tulinj Hospital.

The fire spread rapidly through the building, triggering panic among residents as flames and thick smoke engulfed the affected area.

Four other people trapped on the 14th floor were safely evacuated by the Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation’s fire brigade with the assistance of a crane.

Former mayor Rupesh Jadhav visited the spot after learning about the incident and took stock of the situation. Fire brigade personnel continued rescue and firefighting operations, while the authorities initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the blaze.

Further details are expected as the investigation progresses.