A tragic fire at an 11-storey residential building in Vile Parle West, Mumbai, claimed the life of 2.5-year-old Abir Siddharth Vatavia on Tuesday night. The toddler was found dead in a bathroom, where his 23-year-old nanny, Ankita Chetri, had taken refuge while trying to escape the flames. Chetri also died in the incident.
The fire broke out at Shanta Bhuvan CHS Ltd on Baptista Road, a building reportedly developed by the Vatavia family. Fire officials said the blaze was believed to have started from an iron box in the hall, although the exact cause remains under investigation. The fire spread through electrical installations, an air-conditioning unit, furniture, household articles, a false ceiling and parts of the kitchen. Firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control around 1 a.m.
Eight other people were injured, including members of the Vatavia family and several others who were involved in the rescue effort. Abir’s parents were reportedly away from home when the fire occurred, while his approximately five-year-old sister was rescued by her grandfather.
The incident has also raised questions about fire-safety preparedness inside the building. Although the firefighting system was reportedly functional, officials said most residents did not know how to operate it or direct firefighters to the relevant equipment. The building’s security staff were also reportedly not adequately trained to operate the firefighting system.
The tragedy has renewed attention on the importance of fire-safety training, emergency evacuation procedures and electrical safety in high-rise residential buildings. Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire and its suspected origin.
