Mumbai: A family of six had a fortuitous escape from Wednesday’s Crystal Tower fire due to Id celebrations. Mashooq Safi Shaikh, a resident of the 12th floor, had stepped down with his four children and wife to celebrate Id-ul-Azha at his father’s residence in a neighbouring building when the fire broke out.
But Mr. Shaikh rushed back to save his rakhi sister Bertha Fernandes (64), and suffered inhalation burns. Doctors at KEM Hospital said Mr. Shaikh had suffered corneal burns as well but his condition is stable.
“Bertha has been living with the family for several years. She was the only one who was home,” said Mr. Shaikh’s brother Naeem Safi. Mr. Shaikh’s nephew, Waqar Safi Shaikh, a resident of Navi Mumbai who had come for Id celebrations, followed him to help people stuck in the fire. He too was hospitalised for inhalation burns and was put on oxygen support. “They must have helped rescue more than 20 people from the building,” said a relative Ahmed Safi, adding that after some time, the uncle and nephew had inhaled a lot of smoke and had to be admitted to KEM Hospital.
Hindmata resident Jayant Sawant too rushed inside the building to rescue his aunt Shubhada Shirke.
Relatives said Mr. Sawant, a Bank of Maharashtra employee, made it to the flat but did not find his aunt there. However, he helped rescue many other residents and suffered inhalation burns while escaping.
“He asked about his aunt but we have not told him about her death yet,” said another relative.
Mr. Sawant’s son has been informed about the incident and is on his way back to India from New Zealand.
Kartik Suvarna (14) is the only minor admitted to hospital for minor breathing trouble due to smoke inhalation. His father Mahesh Suvarna (47), mother Chandrika (40) and sister Akshata (18), were also admitted. The family was trapped in their 16th floor apartment and was rescued by the Fire Brigade.
According to hospital’s dean Dr Avinash Supe, most patients had flash burns and smoke inhalation injuries. “Some needed oxygen support. We will keep them under observation for 24 to 48 hours,” he said.