Four dead, including 6-year-old girl, in Mumbai high-rise fire during Diwali night

While the rest of the country celebrated Diwali amid lights and festivity, tragedy struck Navi Mumbai’s Vashi area late Monday night. A massive blaze broke out at Raheja Residency, a high-rise residential complex in Sector-14, leaving at least four people dead, including a six-year-old girl  and injuring seven others.

According to fire officials, the fire erupted on the 10th, 11th, and 12th floors of the building and spread rapidly to the upper levels. Over ten fire tenders were deployed to the scene, with teams battling the flames and carrying out rescue operations through the night. 

The height of the building posed significant challenges to firefighters, who worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control.

Preliminary reports suggest that a short circuit could have triggered the fire. However, officials are also investigating whether a stray Diwali firecracker may have landed on a balcony, igniting the blaze.

As per media reports, the deceased were identified as Vedika Sundar Balakrishnan (6), Kamla Hiralal Jain (84), Sundar Balakrishnan (44), and Pooja Rajan (39) — all residents of Raheja Residency.

The injured have been admitted to a nearby municipal hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

Fire department officials have begun cooling operations, while police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the tragedy.