Mumbai: March 18, 2008 - Flames engulfed and created havoc in Mumbai on Monday afternoon. At least nine people have been killed and over 60 injured in one of the worst fires that Mumbai has seen in recent years.

Twelve fire engines and seven water tankers rushed to the industrial estate in Byculla, situated in the heart of the city.

But in a building with no fire exits, not everyone was so fortunate. And as more bodies were pulled out, more questions surfaced.

''The fire department came half an hour late. People were jumping out of the windows from the fourth floor. We tried to throw ropes to them and eventually we started catching them with our bare hands. There was no one there to help them,'' said an eyewitness.

The fire broke out on the third floor of the busy industrial complex. Its cause is still not known, but the police have promised to take stringent action against those responsible.

''We are investigating, there were several industrial units in this building. Once we determine the cause, we will take strict action,'' said Rajnish Seth, Additional Commissioner of Police, Central zone.

Amidst the chaos, there were many who came to the cause of humanity in order to save lives.

''I was working on my computer when I heard a loud noise. I came outside and saw the cylinders bursting. People were screaming and had gathered on the third floor. My friend Sanjay and I scaled with ropes tied to our waists. We brought down all the people who were trapped through the rope. We saved around 25-30 people,'' said Pramod, rescuer.

The flames have not burnt out just yet, not until some hard questions concerning the safety of industrial complexes are answered.