1,500 Evacuated Safely After Fire Breaks Out in Aaykar Bhavan Basement in Mumbai

Nearly 1,500 people inside Aaykar Bhavan in Mumbai were safely evacuated on Monday afternoon after a fire broke out in the building's basement. Coordinated action by designated floor marshals, staff awareness of emergency exits, and swift communication helped prevent panic and a potential stampede, ensuring no injuries or fatalities were reported.

Mumbai Fire Brigade officials involved in the operation stated that the presence of trained floor marshals was instrumental in guiding employees out of the premises. Staff familiarity with alternative exit routes prevented crowds from rushing toward a single exit, averting a stampede-like situation.

An operational WhatsApp group used by building staff also aided the response. Employees shared real-time information regarding access routes and the evacuation process across the group during the incident, allowing occupants to exit systematically.

Firefighting operations continued for approximately five hours before the situation was brought fully under control. Officials noted that the safety protocols and prepared staff played a critical role in keeping all occupants safe throughout the extended operation.

The building's built-in firefighting systems, including smoke detectors and fire alarms, did not assist during the firefighting effort. Officials explained that this was expected, as the power supply to the building had been disconnected as a standard safety precaution.

During the response, firefighters had to navigate challenging conditions, wading through knee-deep water inside the basement where the blaze originated amid concerns over potential electrical shocks.