Three firemen sustain burns while rescuing bird in Mahalaxmi

Mumbai: Three firemen were electrocuted while rescuing a bird near the Mahalakshmi racecourse on Saturday night. They have sustained injuries between 30 per cent and 70 per cent and are said to be stable at the National Burns Centre (IBRS). The firemen came in contact with a high-tension railway cable during the rescue operation. They have been kept under observation in the ICU of IBRS for the next 72 hours. However, the officials managed to rescue and free the bird unhurt.  

The Byculla Fire Station received a call from locals of Mahalakshmi area on Saturday night with a complaint that a kite was stuck in a high-tension overhead wire near gate number six of the Mahalakshmi Racecourse.

As per procedure, one fire engine, along with a team of 5 officials, was pressed to the spot. During the rescue operation, firemen atop a ladder came in contact with a live high-tension wire and were immediately rushed to the Wockhardt hospital, where they were under observation, before moving them to the IBRS.

P. Rahangdale, Chief Fire Officer of the Mumbai Fire brigade said, “The condition of the three firemen is stable, but they were shifted to the ICU for observation. Doctors at the Wockhardt hospital were in touch with Dr Keshwani from the National Burns Centre and the firemen were shifted after observation.”  The firemen have been identified as Firemen Sanjay Kalbhere, Dinesh Sabankar, and Rajendra Bhojane.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has faced criticism from several corporates for not forming a separate wing to conduct minor animal rescue operations. However, P. Rahangdale said, “There is no such thing. It is the fire brigade’s job.”