A massive fire broke out at the well-known Libbas garments showroom located in Nana Chowk on Pedder Road, Mumbai, in the early hours of Monday morning. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) was alerted at approximately 7:40 AM, after thick smoke spread throughout the structure. The incident prompted immediate emergency response, which included fire tenders, ambulances, and police units rushing to the site.

Fire Declared as Level-II Intensity

The fire was initially classified as Level-I but was upgraded to Level-II at around 7:35 AM as the intensity increased significantly. According to reports by Times of India and ANI, the blaze spread quickly, engulfing electrical wiring, installations, and a large stock of garments and cloths inside the showroom.

The source of the fire, although not yet officially disclosed, appears to have involved electrical short-circuits, which then spread due to the flammable nature of the inventory present inside the retail outlet.

Swift Emergency Response by Mumbai Fire Brigade

The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), known for its quick reaction, acted promptly. According to Divisional Fire Officer EB Matle, the fire started between 6:30 AM to 7 AM. Firefighters arrived quickly and launched rescue operations in collaboration with BEST, Mumbai Police, and 108 ambulance services.

Matle informed the media, “A fire broke out here around 6.30 am–7 am today. There was a lot of smoke inside the shop. People who were staying on the floors above the shop and could not come down were taken to the terrace.”

Residents and Pets Rescued from the Building

A total of 24 individuals, including families, were trapped in the floors above the showroom, unable to descend due to the dense smoke filling the staircases and hallways. Fortunately, firefighters evacuated all of them safely through the terrace and alternative exit routes.

In an extraordinary gesture of care and coordination, the rescue team also saved two dogs and a cat that were in the building. “Pet animals have also been safely rescued,” Matle added, confirming that the situation was now under control.

Cause and Safety Concerns Under Investigation

Although the exact cause of the fire is under investigation, officials suspect that faulty wiring or overloading of electrical circuits could have triggered the incident. The MFB will conduct a full forensic and safety inspection of the showroom’s systems to determine any negligence or code violations.

This fire highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety compliance in Mumbai’s commercial buildings. The dense urban structure and often outdated wiring or lack of proper ventilation and fire suppression systems make these locations prone to rapid fire spread.

Public Safety and Lessons for Future

Thankfully, no injuries or fatalities were reported in the Libbas showroom fire. However, the situation could have been far worse without timely action by MFB and allied agencies. The fire at Libbas adds to a growing list of recent fire incidents in Mumbai’s residential-commercial hybrid zones.

Public safety experts continue to stress the importance of having fire exits, alarms, extinguishers, and evacuation drills, especially in buildings housing both retail and residential units.

Traffic and Local Disruptions

Due to the fire and emergency response, traffic movement was temporarily disrupted on Pedder Road and the surrounding Nana Chowk locality. Commuters were advised to avoid the area for several hours as rescue operations were underway.

BEST services and local law enforcement helped cordon off the area and ensure that bystanders and motorists stayed clear of the fire site, avoiding additional casualties or crowding.

Support from Locals and Authorities Appreciated

Locals and nearby shopkeepers assisted emergency services with information and access, while local civic authorities praised the coordination between different departments. The timely action prevented the fire from spreading to adjacent buildings, which could have escalated the damage significantly.

Conclusion: A Narrow Escape but a Reminder

The Libbas showroom fire in Mumbai serves as a timely reminder of the importance of fire safety awareness, particularly in crowded urban markets. 24 people, including pets, were saved from what could have been a tragic incident.

Authorities are now expected to carry out comprehensive safety checks in similar structures across the city and enforce stricter compliance with fire safety norms.

As the city recovers from the incident, this case will likely become a reference point for urban fire management strategies and emergency preparedness planning in Mumbai and other metros.

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