MUMBAI: A fire broke out at a hostel on the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay campus in Powai, Mumbai, injuring five people, including two children, officials said. The incident occurred late Thursday evening due to a suspected gas leak from a cylinder pipe.
According to details received by The Chenab Times, the fire was reported around 10:25 PM from hostel number 6. Emergency services, including police personnel and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) staff, were immediately mobilized to the scene.
The injured individuals were promptly transported to the BMC-run Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar for initial treatment. Subsequently, four of the injured were transferred to the civic body-run Kasturba Hospital in Chinchpokli for further medical care. One person remains admitted at Rajawadi Hospital, receiving ongoing treatment.
The five individuals who sustained injuries have been identified as 12-year-old Ansh Ahirwar, 9-year-old Tahjib Aalam, 37-year-old Ishwar Singh, 34-year-old Shivkumar Singh, and 23-year-old Anilkumar Yadav. Their injuries are reportedly being managed by medical professionals at the respective hospitals.
The cause of the gas leak and the subsequent fire is currently under investigation. Fire officials and forensic teams are expected to examine the site to determine the exact sequence of events and the extent of damage to the hostel property. The safety protocols and maintenance records of the hostel’s gas infrastructure will likely be reviewed as part of the inquiry.
The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, a premier educational institution, has not yet issued a formal statement regarding the incident. However, authorities are ensuring that all affected students and staff receive adequate support and medical attention. The institute is expected to provide updates as more information becomes available following the investigation.
Incidents involving gas leaks and subsequent fires, particularly in densely populated areas like student hostels, underscore the critical importance of regular safety checks and adherence to stringent maintenance protocols. Experts emphasize the need for vigilant monitoring of all gas-based appliances and connections to prevent such unfortunate occurrences.
The local administration and the institute’s management are collaborating to address the aftermath of the incident, including providing temporary accommodation for students who may have been displaced from the affected hostel block. The priority remains the well-being and safety of the entire IIT Bombay community. The investigation into the precise cause of the gas leak is ongoing, with officials keen to prevent any recurrence.
The Chenab Times News Desk