Navi Mumbai: A woman and her 17-year-old daughter died after a massive fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the Ambe Shraddha residential building in Sector 36, Kamothe.
The blaze, suspected to have been triggered by an electrical short circuit, was intensified by a subsequent cylinder explosion.
Fire Breaks Out Before Dawn
According to officials, the Panvel Municipal Corporation Fire Brigade received a call at 6:02 a.m. after residents reported hearing a loud explosion. By the time fire engines reached the spot, flames had already engulfed the third-floor apartment where the victims — identified as Rekha Shisodia and her daughter Payal Shisodia (17) — lived.
“Based on the condition of the site, it appears the fire had started at least 45 minutes before the cylinder blast,” said Praveen Bodake, Chief Fire Officer of CIDCO. “Cylinders usually explode only after being exposed to heat for a prolonged period. Both mother and daughter were found dead on their bed, possibly having inhaled smoke and fallen unconscious before getting burnt.”
Two Family Members Survive
Officials said that two other members of the Shisodia family survived as they were away for work when the tragedy occurred. Preliminary findings suggest the fire originated from a short circuit, which then led to the cylinder explosion.
Building Safety Under Scrutiny
Fire officials also raised concerns over safety compliance at the 12-storey building.
“It was a 12-storeyed building in which most flats are duplex. The building did not follow fire norms nor did it have proper ventilation,” Bodake added.
Rescue and Investigation
Fire tenders managed to bring the blaze under control after an extensive operation. The victims’ bodies were sent for post-mortem examination.
A joint investigation by the fire brigade and Kamothe police is currently underway to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess possible violations of fire safety standards.