2 Times Network heroes rescue over 150 people

MUMBAI: Two security personnel from the Times Network exhibited exemplary courage and heroism in the midst of the Kamala Mills tragedy on Friday and rescued over 150 people by breaking open an exit door and leading them to safety. The staffers, Mahesh Sable (23) and Suraj Giri (21), also averted a bigger tragedy by removing gas cylinders which were close to the falling fire debris.

The Times Network is located in a building adjacent to the one housing the restaurant where the fire started. Giri said the two premises had a connecting terrace. Sable told TOI he noticed the fire around 12.10 am and immediately called the cops. "I saw people coming down the stairway, but since it was dark, they were clueless. Having worked there for over a year, I knew my way around. I immediately broke open the exit door and guided people out."

Sable said he then called up Giri, who was outside the building gate, and told him about the people making their way down.


Working in perfect sync, Giri ensured people were escorted to safety. "It was chaotic. Some did not have shoes on, while the clothes of a few others were torn. A couple of them even fell down. I steered everyone away from the shower of debris and the fire," Giri said, adding he had to even stop a few from going back to the building to rescue family and friends.

Giri also had the presence of mind to alert fire officials about several cylinders kept in a room close to where the fire debris was falling. "We broke open the door and managed to take the cylinders out. If this hadn't been done on time, all of Kamala Mills would have been destroyed and loss to life would have been colossal," he said.

Both said their fire training courses had helped them overcome their fear. “I also suffered minor injuries, but I knew I could not leave anyone behind,” Sable said. “It was heartbreaking...I had to help however I could,” Giri added.