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Four die in Mumbai highrise fire (Second Lead)
Mumbai, Aug 22 (IANS) At least four persons, including an elderly woman, were suffocated to death and 14 others injured on Wednesday when a massive fire swept through a highrise building in the city, officials said, adding the fire has been doused after about eight-hour struggle.
The fire broke out on the 12th floor of the 17-storied Crystal Tower building located in Parel.
The flames quickly spread to the 13th floor and adjacent flats, trapping many of the 100-plus residents in the building.
The Mumbai Fire Brigade rushed 12 fire tenders, a snorkel and other advanced equipment to combat the blaze.
The firemen wearing gas-masks managed to rescue 20 persons.
Though the exact cause of the fire is being investigated, officials suspect it could have been sparked by a short-circuit.
The cause of the four deaths was attributed to the dense smoke which had accumulated inside.
Two of the victims were identified as Shubhada Shelke, 62, and Bablu Shaikh, 36. The identities of the two other persons was being ascertained.
Among the injured were two firemen — Rajeev Narwade and Sandeep Manjre, said an official.
Residents said the building was not granted the occupation certificate, lacked functional fire-fighting equipment and proper fire escapes.
Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar said a probe would find out if there were any safety violations in the building.
The role of fire-woman Sunita B. Patil came in for appreciation after she rescued at least 17 trapped residents.
A 10-year old girl Zane Sadavarte guided the panic-stricken residents who were running helter-skelter and screaming for help from the upper floors.
“I have learnt in school how to remain composed during emergencies like fire. I told all the people to use wet towels, avoid inhaling the dangerous fumes, move in an orderly fashion to the stairs and avoid touching electrical gadgets,” Zane told mediapersons.
Meanwhile, an official of BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said this evening that the redeveloped Crystal Tower building was occupied without a certificate in 2016.
“Notices were issued to the 58 flat occupants, owner/developer and architect by the BMC, and prosecution launched against them under relevent laws. The matter is currently sub judice,” said the official.
–IANS
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Dr. Abhishek Verma Dedicates a Shelter in Memory of His Mother, Veena Verma, at KGMU; Inaugurated by Daughter Nicolle Verma
World-renowned business tycoon Dr. Abhishek Verma has supported Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission. In memory of his mother, Late Veena Verma, who was a 3 term Rajya Sabha MP.
Dr. Verma dedicated a state-of-the-art free permanent shelter for the attendants of patients at KGMU Medical University, Lucknow, under the aegis of Vijay Shree Foundation. His daughter, Nicolle Verma, inaugurated the shelter.
During the event, Foodman Vishal Singh honored Nicolle Verma by presenting her with a memento. Mrs. Nidhi Sharma and Avantika Yadav, associated with the organization, welcomed her with garlands. Following this, Nicolle Verma distributed essential items to the attendants and also handed out fruits. She became emotional remembering her grandmother on her birth anniversary.
On this occasion, she also inaugurated the “Veena Verma Sevalaya” in memory of her grandmother, Veena Verma, to serve the attendants. She expressed, “I feel proud that my family is engaged in nation-building as well as social service. Today, in collaboration with Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh Ji, I feel immensely proud to dedicate this shelter for the poor, helpless, and needy attendants of patients battling serious illnesses like cancer. I am honored to be associated with the Hunger-Free World Mission for humanity.”
Inspired by the continuous humanitarian service provided by Vijay Shree Foundation over the past 17 years, Nicolle Verma donated 10 lakh rupees to support the cause. The purpose of this donation is to ensure that services continue for the needy attendants of patients suffering from severe illnesses in hospitals, as facilitated by Foodman Vishal Singh.
It is noteworthy that Dr. Abhishek Verma’s family has a legacy of public and philanthropic service. They are helping millions to carry forward the values and service work of their parents. On the occasion of his mother’s birth anniversary, Dr. Abhishek Verma dedicated this state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College to serve the attendants of patients through the Vijay Shree Foundation.
Supporting Foodman Vishal Singh’s Hunger-Free World mission, Dr. Abhishek Verma assured that he would continually support keeping this flame of humanity alive. He also promised to assist in providing medicines to the helpless patients.
Continuing her grandmother’s legacy of service, Nicolle Verma personally served food to the needy patients and attendants. She said, “It is our good fortune to have received the joy of doing this noble work today through Foodman Vishal Singh. I have taken another step forward in carrying my family’s values and cooperation by joining hands with the Vijay Shree Foundation. My father taught me to serve and help the needy, and I feel happy when I bring a smile to someone’s face.”
On the birth anniversary of the late Veena Verma, the event organizer, Vijay Shree Foundation founder Foodman Vishal Singh, said, “We feel proud and happy that Dr. Abhishek Verma, a globally renowned business tycoon, has extended his support to uplift our country from the hunger index. Today, on his mother’s birth anniversary, he inaugurated a state-of-the-art permanent shelter at Lucknow Medical College, which will always be helpful for the needy attendants of patients. It is a pleasure for me and the organization to receive the affection of Mr. Verma.”
The event was attended by General Manager Verma Family Office Hemant Garg, Sonu Rajput, and the organization’s volunteers, including Sandeep Singh, Parmeshwar Ji, Prashant Rao Gautam, Balram Singh, Ramesh Chaudhary, Suman, Jeetu, Anil, Suraj, Vinay, Manish Bhadauria, Manas Mehrotra, Vivek, Apurv, Happy, and others.