Survivors recount ordeal

Mumbai: A 19-year-old-worker Akhilesh Tiwari, who survived the deadly fire that broke out in a Bhanu farsan shop at Saki Naka on Monday, said a loud noise woke him up and following which he saw fire flames erupting. The survivor escaped by jumping out of a small window. He suffered fractures on his ankles and is currently receiving treatment in a hospital. His elder brother, Mahesh (21), however, was one of 12 victims who died in the blaze.

Talking to The Asian Age, Mr Tiwari narrated his ordeal. “I was sleeping on the mezzanine floor of the shop. Suddenly I heard a loud sound. It shook me and woke me up,” he said. “I was sleeping next to the window, and I jumped from it. I could only see huge fire flames. I am still shocked, and my feet are paining,” added Mr Tiwari. When asked about his brother Mahesh, Mr Tiwari said, “Yes I am aware. Unfortunately, my elder brother Mahesh died in the mishap.” Doctors treating Mr Tiwari said that he has suffered fractures on his ankles while jumping out of the window. He is admitted to the trauma ward and is recuperating.

A 20-year-old worker  Ramnaresh Gupta, who was also working in the Farshan shop, was charred to death. His brother Arjun Gupta said, “I have two brothers. All three of us came to Mumbai. Ramnaresh was working in farsan making shop. On Sunday, we brothers had a feast, and then Ramnaresh left for Saki Naka. Two of us stayed back in Kalyan where we work in an another Farsan Factory.”

Mirza Naseem Baig, a resident of Chembur, lost his sons Naim (17) and Wasim (19) in the blaze. Mr Baig said, “This is an unfortunate incident. I lost my young boys. We don’t know how this can happen.”

“They both were staying with me, but their employer said that he would provide an accommodation. So we let them go,” Mr Baig added.