Mumbai:

At least seven people died in a major fire that broke out inside a 20-storeyed residential building in Mumbai this morning.

Another 15 people were also injured in the massive blaze that started around 7 am on the 18th floor of Kamla building opposite Gandhi Hospital at Gowalia Tank in Mumbai’s Tardeo area.

Mumbai Mayor Kishori Pednekar told news agency ANI that six elderly people needed oxygen support and were shifted to the hospital. The fire “is under control but smoke is huge. All people have been rescued,” she added.

On being alerted, the fire brigade personnel and police had rushed to the spot. A civic body official said 13 fire engines and seven water jetties, among others, were involved in the firefighting operation, adding that it was tagged as a level-3 (major) fire.

Officials said the injured were rushed to three nearby hospitals — five people died due to their injuries at Nair Hospital, 1 died at Kasturba Hospital and another patient died at Bhatia Hospital.

BJP leader Priti Gandhi shared a video clip on Twitter from the incident and said, “As usual, excuses will be made, sketchy reasons given & life will go on. Strongest political will required if the city has to survive. As a Mumbaikar, the unaccountability pains!!”

Yet another fire broke out at a #Mumbai highrise this morning. 2 persons died & 15 are injured.

As usual, excuses will be made, sketchy reasons given & life will go on.

Strongest political will required if the city has to survive. As a Mumbaikar, the unaccountability pains!! pic.twitter.com/lx95sPqcg2

— Priti Gandhi – प्रीति गांधी (@MrsGandhi) January 22, 2022

It’s an unfortunate incident, Maharashtra BJP president and MLA Mangal Prabhat Lodha said.