June 21, 2012 8:38 PM

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Fire at Maharashtra state's administrative headquarters

A major fire broke out at Maharashtra state's administrative headquarters Mantralaya in Mumbai this afternoon. The fire broke out at NCP minister Babanrao Pachpute's office, on the fourth floor of the building which also houses the urban development department. Emergency teams are fighting to control fire at the Matralaya. Over 20 fire tenders have been rushed to the site. The fire has spread to the seventh floor of the building too. It is believed that fire was caused due to short circuit. A major part of the chief minister's office on 6th floor too has been destroyed in the fire. Indian Navy has been asked to assist in the rescue operations. A navy helicopter too has reached the site. There was no immediate report of any casualty but several people were suspected trapped on the upper floors and terrace, prompting authorities to press into service contingents of the elite commandos of Force One and city police's Quick Response Teams. Two teams from the naval dockyard were also rushed. Fire brigade personnel with huge hydraulic ladders were seen bringing down those trapped. Choking in thick black smoke, several people were seen standing precariously on the parapet and balconies, waiting to be rescued. Many could be seen rappelling down the ropes and drain pipes in a desperate attempt to escape. Entire Mumbai fire force has been asked to rush in; fire tenders from nearby districts such as Thane have also been rushed to the site. The police have cordoned off the area and are in control of the situation. Roads leading to Mantralaya are blocked.Fire at Maharashtra state's administrative headquarters, 16 injuredMaharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan,that the Crime Branch police would probe the incident. The chief minister confirmed that everyone in the building was evacuated. 16 people were injured and admitted to the hospital. 5 were discharged while one was reported to be critical.

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