Mumbai Fire: Toddler, Domestic Worker Died in Vile Parle High-Rise Blaze
Mumbai, 12th August 2026: Two people, including a two-and-a-half-year-old child and a 23-year-old domestic worker, were killed in a fire that broke out on the 11th floor of Shanta Bhavan in Vile Parle West on Tuesday night. Four others were injured in the incident and are currently undergoing treatment.
The fire broke out at around 10:02 pm in the high-rise building located near St Xavier’s School. The blaze triggered panic among residents as flames and thick smoke spread through the premises.
Following the alert, around 20 fire brigade vehicles were deployed to the spot. Firefighters launched a rescue operation and evacuated 15 people who were stranded on the building’s terrace.
Four people were rescued from the affected flat and rushed to Nanavati Hospital. However, doctors declared two-and-a-half-year-old Abir and 23-year-old Ankita dead.
The four injured victims — Parth (32), Hiren (64), Yashasvi and Abhishek — are reportedly in stable condition and continue to receive medical treatment.
Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly two-and-half hours, finally bringing it under control at around 12:25 am. The subsequent rescue and search operations were also completed.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. A short circuit is suspected, but officials have not yet confirmed the cause. Police and fire brigade officials are conducting a detailed technical investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the blaze.
The incident has once again highlighted concerns over fire safety and emergency preparedness in Mumbai’s high-rise residential buildings.
