A fire broke out at Vitthal Niwas, a four-storey, 75-year-old building adjacent to the Mahalaxmi railway flyover on Wednesday. Fortunately, no one was injured, as firefighters managed to rescue people from the windows, though five families had no access to a staircase. Some of the residents blamed an additional room allegedly built in front of this staircase in the common passage by a neighbour, that blocked 
their access.

The Fire Brigade sent eight fire engines and three jumbo water tankers to the building at Jacob Circle, Saat Rasta. Residents said the fire broke out around 11.15 am in room number 10 on the second floor of A wing. “I was standing below when the fire broke out. My home is adjacent to the room where it started. So I alerted my wife. She and our son immediately stepped out as our home is near the staircase,” said Gracious Miranda, a resident of the second floor. He added that the building is more than 75 years old. There are two wings and 14 rooms on each floor. There are a total 75 tenants.