A major fire was reported in a third-floor flat of Ravechi Heights in Sector 7 of Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, on Wednesday afternoon.
The blaze, reported at 3.45 pm, triggered panic among residents.
However, prompt response from the fire brigade helped rescue around 12 people safely from the smoke-filled premises.
Several individuals who suffered from suffocation and minor injuries were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.
The fire has been brought under control and the cooling operations are underway.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the fire may have been caused owing to short circuit. The exact cause of the incident is under investigation.
The society is located a few metres away from Kharghar Police Station.
