Massive Blaze Engulfs Bandra Mall, Fire-Robot Deployed in Effort to Control Flames

A massive fire broke out early Tuesday morning at the Croma showroom located in the Link Square Mall in Bandra West. The fire, which began around 4:11 AM, quickly escalated, forcing authorities to declare it a Level-IV blaze by 6:25 AM. Thankfully, no casualties have been reported as emergency services and multiple agencies worked tirelessly to control the situation.

The fire started in the basement of the mall, and within hours, thick plumes of smoke began to spread throughout the area. Firefighters from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, along with teams from Mumbai Police, the Public Works Department (PWD), and local municipal staff, were deployed to the scene. A National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team was also mobilized at the request of the fire brigade.

At the height of the emergency, the scene saw a massive deployment of resources, including 13 fire engines, nine jumbo water tankers, and various rescue vehicles. Despite these efforts, the fire raged on, with firefighters battling the flames using three hose lines and 12 motor pumps. To aid in the operation, a specialized ‘fire-robot’ was brought in, helping tackle the blaze more efficiently.

The cause of the fire remains unknown, though authorities are continuing their investigation. While the initial fire in the basement could have been contained, it quickly spread throughout the structure, leading to widespread damage.

Meanwhile, political leader Zeeshan Siddique criticized the fire department, claiming the fire could have been controlled earlier if the team had been better equipped. According to Siddique, the small spark in the basement could have been easily managed if action had been taken sooner. His comments drew attention to concerns about the preparedness and efficiency of fire safety measures in the city.

This incident comes just a day after a large fire at the Enforcement Directorate office in south Mumbai, highlighting ongoing fire safety concerns in Mumbai’s commercial spaces.

As fire teams continue their work to prevent further damage, local authorities are focusing on improving fire safety protocols and response times across the city.