MUMBAI: A 30-year-old security guard fell to his death from a balcony on the 19th floor after a major fire broke out at a 60-storey luxury highrise near Currey Road bridge on Friday afternoon. Sixteen persons, including some residents, were rescued by the fire brigade.
No resident of the twin towers of One Avighna Park that boast sky villas and sky mansions was injured. The fire started just before noon in a flat in the B wing and spread as, residents said, the sprinkler system did not start working till the fire brigade arrived after 15 minutes. It was finally put out by 5pm.
Arun Tiwari, a resident of Prayagraj who had been working at the building for five years, had rushed to the 19th floor in response to the fire alarm, but got trapped as the flames spread.
He tried to escape by the balcony — a chilling video of him hanging from it has gone viral — but ultimately fell to his death. Tiwari was unmarried.
Joint municipal commissioner Ramesh Pawar said the 19th floor of the B wing was gutted and parts of the 20th floor were burnt. The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained but officials suspect a short circuit. A probe has been ordered.
