Key Points
- Major fire broke out at Kaiser-I-Hind building, Ballard Estate, housing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office, around 2:30 am Sunday.
- Blaze escalated to Level-III, indicating a severe emergency; firefighting operations lasted over six hours.
- No injuries or casualties reported; building safely evacuated.
- Fire confined to the fourth floor, but key documents and equipment inside the ED office may have been damaged.
- Cause of fire remains unknown; investigation underway.
Mumbai: A massive fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday at the historic Kaiser-I-Hind building in Mumbai’s Ballard Estate, which houses the Enforcement Directorate (ED) office. The incident, reported at approximately 2:31 am, triggered a swift and large-scale emergency response, averting what could have been a much greater disaster.
Fire Escalates Rapidly, Prompting Major Emergency Response
The fire, which started on the fourth floor of the five-storey building, quickly intensified despite initial firefighting efforts. By 3:30 am, the Mumbai Fire Brigade upgraded the situation to a Level-II fire, and within an hour, it was further escalated to Level-III, marking it as a major fire emergency.
Firefighters and emergency personnel, including eight fire engines, six jumbo water tankers, an aerial water tower tender, a breathing apparatus van, a rescue van, a quick response vehicle, and an ambulance, were deployed to the site. Over 12 firefighting units worked tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to other parts of the building and adjacent structures.
No Loss of Life, But Sensitive Records at Risk
Fortunately, there were no reports of injuries or casualties, as the building was safely evacuated and no one was present in the ED office during the incident. However, officials fear that several crucial documents and equipment inside the ED office may have been severely damaged or destroyed by the fire. The full extent of the damage is still being assessed.
Investigation Into Cause Ongoing
Authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the blaze. Early speculation points to the possibility of a short circuit or technical fault, but the fire department has not confirmed any details. A thorough investigation is underway, with officials emphasizing the sensitive nature of the records stored within the ED office.
Context and Aftermath
The Kaiser-I-Hind building, located near the Grand Hotel on Currimbhoy Road, is a prominent structure in South Mumbai. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety in government offices, especially those that house critical investigative agencies and sensitive documents.
As of the latest updates, the fire has been brought under control, and the building has been declared safe. Firefighting teams remain on site to monitor for any potential flare-ups, while authorities continue to assess the damage and investigate the cause.
