A major fire broke out at Aayakar Bhavan, the Income Tax Department’s office building in Mumbai’s Churchgate area, on Monday afternoon, August 17, triggering a large-scale rescue operation and sending thick smoke through the multi-storey premises. The incident occurred at a busy location on Maharshi Karve Road, close to Churchgate station. No deaths or injuries were reported, according to officials.
Fire Erupts in Basement
The fire was reported at around 2:01 pm in the basement of Aayakar Bhavan, a ground-plus-six-storey building housing several Income Tax Department offices. According to preliminary information, the blaze affected an area of approximately 7,000 to 8,000 square feet in the basement.
The fire involved electrical wiring and installations as well as stored records, paper material, scrap and wooden partitions. The presence of combustible material contributed to the heavy smoke that quickly spread through the building.
As smoke moved upward through the building, employees and other occupants rushed to evacuate. More than 1,000 employees reportedly came out of the premises as emergency teams reached the location. The situation was declared a Level-II fire, prompting a substantial response from the Mumbai Fire Brigade.
28 People Rescued
The thick smoke created difficulties for people who remained inside the building. Mumbai Fire Brigade personnel conducted rescue operations using staircases and specialised ladders to reach occupants on different floors.
According to fire officials cited in reports, a total of 28 people were rescued. Some individuals were reportedly trapped on upper floors, while others were brought down from the terrace. Firefighters also worked to create ventilation openings after smoke filled parts of the structure.
Despite the intensity of the fire and the heavy smoke, officials said there were no reported casualties or injuries. Police, civic officials and other emergency personnel were involved in securing the area and assisting with the evacuation.
Firefighting Operation
Several fire tenders were deployed to tackle the blaze. Firefighters concentrated their efforts on the basement, where the fire was confined to electrical installations, wiring and stored materials, while simultaneously preventing the flames from spreading to other sections of the building.
The operation was complicated by the building’s internal smoke accumulation. Firefighters had to carefully enter affected areas and search for anyone who might still be inside. The rescue operation continued until officials were satisfied that occupants had been accounted for.
Aayakar Bhavan is an important government office complex and accommodates multiple Income Tax Department units. The building also houses offices connected with other government agencies, making the incident particularly significant from a safety perspective.
Cause Under Investigation
The exact cause of the fire has not yet been officially established. Early reports have pointed to electrical wiring and installations being affected by the blaze, but authorities are expected to conduct a detailed investigation before determining what triggered the incident.
Police, fire officials and representatives of the Income Tax Department are examining the circumstances surrounding the fire, including the condition of electrical equipment and materials stored in the basement.
The incident has once again highlighted the importance of fire-safety preparedness in large office buildings, particularly those containing electrical installations, paper records and other combustible materials. Emergency evacuation procedures and access for firefighting teams remain critical in preventing casualties during such incidents.
With the fire brought under control and no casualties reported, authorities are now focusing on assessing the damage and establishing the precise cause. Further inspections may determine whether the building requires repairs or additional safety measures before normal operations resume.
