Mumbai: In a massive firefighting operation early Tuesday morning, Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) deployed a high-tech ‘fire robot’ to combat a massive blaze that erupted in the basement of a Croma showroom in Bandra (West).
The advanced robotic device was brought in as flames intensified and spread through the multi-storey Link Square Mall, located on Linking Road No. 33. The fire was first reported at 4:11 AM and rapidly escalated in severity, leading MFB to declare a Level-IV fire by 6:25 AM. According to officials, the fire originated in the basement of the Croma showroom, one of three basement levels in the G+3 mall structure, and led to heavy smoke logging across the entire building.
As visibility and access became severely restricted due to smoke, the fire robot navigated the hazardous environment and delivered targeted water jets without endangering human firefighters. These robots are specially designed to operate in high-temperature, low-visibility zones and are equipped with cameras, sensors, and high-capacity water nozzles.
So far, no casualties or injuries have been reported. Multiple agencies were mobilized at the scene, including personnel from the BMC’s MFB, local ward staff, Mumbai Police, Adani Electricity, and the Public Works Department. Over a dozen fire engines, hydraulic platforms, and two robotic firefighting units identified as “Robert-02” were in action to bring the fire under control.
Operations continued into the morning, with 12 motor pumps and three hose lines in active use. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and officials have stated that a detailed report will be issued later.
The use of firefighting robots shows that Mumbai is slowly starting to use more technology to help in emergencies like fire. This technology helps provide a quick response to emergency needs.
