Palghar: Two women were killed and six people were hospitalised after a massive fire broke out in a 14-storey residential building in Maharashtra's Palghar district shortly after midnight on Wednesday. Around 25 residents were rescued from the building, officials said.

The fire broke out at Imperial Heights on the Nalasopara-Vasai Link Road, in the Achole area of Nalasopara, triggering panic among residents as smoke and flames spread through the building.

The deceased have been identified as Falguni Shah (50) and Ashwini Parkar (50). Preliminary medical findings suggest that they may have died due to suffocation caused by heavy smoke inhalation. The exact cause of death will be established after post-mortem examinations, officials said.

Six other people were taken to a private hospital for treatment. Their condition was not immediately known.
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Residents trapped as fire spreads

The Vasai-Virar City Municipal Corporation's fire department received information about the blaze around midnight. Firefighters, police personnel and other officials rushed to the spot and launched a rescue operation.

Seven fire engines were deployed to fight the flames, along with cranes, turntable ladder machines and other specialised equipment. Firefighters rescued residents trapped on different floors, with around 25 people evacuated from the building.

Four residents reportedly took refuge on a narrow exterior ledge to escape the smoke and flames. They remained stranded for nearly 45 minutes before firefighters rescued them using a large crane.

The fire was particularly intense on the 13th and 14th floors, while traces of fire or embers were also found on other floors, officials said. Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze.

The fire was brought under control by 7.20 am, although cooling operations continued, according to the fire department.
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Probe to examine fire safety arrangements

Vasai-Virar Municipal Corporation Commissioner Prithviraj B.P. said a detailed investigation would be conducted to establish the cause of the fire and determine whether any safety lapses had contributed to the incident.

The investigation will examine the building's construction permissions, fire safety approvals and firefighting systems. The possibility of a short circuit in the electrical panel will also be investigated, he said.

The commissioner said temporary accommodation had been arranged at nearby banquet halls and hotels for families affected by the incident.

Senior municipal officials, fire personnel, police officers and local representatives visited the site to monitor the rescue operation. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown.