One of the six victims, Manaram Kumawat, who sustained 40 per cent burns and underwent surgery on Wednesday, has been shifted from the ICU to the general ward. Admitted to the National Burns Hospital in Airoli on Wednesday, he was initially scheduled for 48 hours of close observation. “However, he showed improvement, so we could move him to the general ward. Though he is stable and improving, he still requires hospital care,” said Dr Sunil Keswani, medical director.
Manoj Kumar, husband of victim Putani, outside the private hospital
Given the severity of injuries, doctors have also begun complex surgical interventions on the other three patients admitted alongside Kumawat. On Wednesday, surgeons performed excision and allograft procedures — using skin from a skin bank — on Neetu Gupta, who had sustained 90 per cent burns on her upper extremities. “Her surgery went as planned. The grafting was successful, but her condition remains critical and she will require constant monitoring. She has been moved to the ICCU after the surgery,” Dr Keswani confirmed.
The fire broke out at a catering shop in Ramkishan Mistry Chawl, Kandivli East
Further surgeries are planned for Shivani Gandhi and Janki Gupta, scheduled for Friday. “Their burns are extremely deep and cover large portions of the body. These will be highly challenging procedures. Additionally, Neetu, Gandhi, and Janki had inhaled a large quantity of smoke, making stabilisation and surgery more difficult,” Dr Keswani added.
Condition of other patients
Durga Gupta, 35, with 80-85 per cent burns, and Putani Kumari, 28, with 80 per cent burns, were initially admittecd to Shatabdi Hospital in Kandivli, then transferred to a private facility, and finally moved to Kasturba Hospital in South Mumbai. They were admitted to the National Burns Hospital late Wednesday night and are now receiving treatment there. “Durga and Putani were admitted late at night. Both have extensive burns, ranging from 80 per cent to 85 per cent, and their treatment plans are being drawn up. Their survival depends on how their bodies respond in the coming days,” said Dr Keswani.
Two two-wheelers parked outside the shop were gutted in the fire. Pics/Satej Shinde
“We had to shift them from Kasturba Hospital to National Burns Hospital as beds were unavailable at Kasturba. The Airoli hospital offers better treatment options for them,” said Manoj Kumar, Putani’s husband. Doctors note that patients with over 80 per cent burns face an uphill battle, with survival chances often slim due to infection, organ failure, and the body’s inability to cope with severe trauma. The National Burns Hospital team is relying on advanced surgical techniques, specialised dressings, infection control, and intensive care to stabilise the patients.
“Every hour is crucial. In such cases, the focus is not only on wound care and surgeries, but also on maintaining hydration, nutrition, and the prevention of infections, which are life-threatening for burn patients,” Dr Keswani explained.
