12 dead one injured in major fire which collapsed building in Mumbai

Mumbai, Dec 19: Major fire broke out at an illegal snack-making unit at Sakinaka in Andheri (East) at 4.15 am on Monday, due to which the building collapsed in minutes. Twelve workers were killed and one was injured.

Fire brigade officials said the unit doubled up as living quarters for 20 migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Nepal.

When the blaze began, seven ran out immediately, while 20 -year-old Akhilesh Tiwari escaped by jumping from the loft window, 20 feet above the ground. He fractured both legs and was admitted to Rajawadi Hospital's trauma ward.

A family of three living in a room on the 30x80-square-foot ground floor survived unhurt. "I was at work when the fire broke out. My brother and mother fled as soon as they heard the commotion," said Tejas Pawar.