Fire Breaks Out at ED Mumbai Office: No Casualties Reported

Mumbai, April 27, 2025:
A major fire broke out on Saturday morning at the Mumbai office of the Enforcement Directorate (ED), located in the bustling Ballard Estate area. The incident caused panic among the staff and nearby offices, but thankfully, no injuries or casualties have been reported.

According to fire department officials, the fire started around 10:30 AM on the third floor of the ED building. Thick smoke was soon seen billowing out of the windows, causing alarm in the busy commercial area. Immediate evacuation procedures were followed, and all employees were safely escorted out of the building.

Upon receiving the emergency call, six fire engines, two water tankers, and an ambulance rushed to the spot. Firefighters worked tirelessly for nearly two hours to bring the flames under control. Preliminary reports suggest that the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, but a detailed investigation is underway to find the exact reason.

Eyewitnesses said they saw smoke spreading quickly, leading to a swift evacuation. "The fire alarms went off, and security personnel guided us to exit the building. It was scary, but everyone stayed calm," said one ED employee who did not wish to be named.

Senior officials from the ED confirmed that important documents and case files were safe. Backup systems also helped in protecting critical digital data. "We are assessing the damage, but thankfully, there is no major loss to vital records," said an ED spokesperson.

The area around the ED office was temporarily cordoned off to allow firefighters to work without hindrance. Traffic in the nearby streets was diverted, causing minor disruptions. Mumbai Police and Disaster Management teams were also present at the scene to ensure public safety.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde took note of the incident and appreciated the quick response by the fire department. He assured a thorough investigation into the cause of the fire and strict measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

This incident has once again raised concerns about fire safety standards in government buildings. Experts suggest that regular maintenance of electrical systems and fire drills should be prioritized to avoid such mishaps.

For now, operations at the ED Mumbai office have been temporarily shifted to another location. Officials have assured that work related to important investigations will continue without any delay.

Further updates on the incident will be shared once the fire department and forensic teams complete their reports.