26-year-old killed as late night fire guts Khar home & garage; fundraiser launched

Mumbai: A fire that blazed through a garage-cum-residence in Chuim Village, Khar, early on Tuesday killed the son of a popular bike mechanic in the locality. Adrien Alves (26) was studying to be a chartered accountant while working at a Bandra comic book store. His last rites will be performed at St Vincent de Paul Church in Khar on Saturday.An online fundraiser for Rs 20 lakh has been initiated to help the family and repair the home, which was partially destroyed. The house was not insured against fire. As of Thursday evening, Rs 10 lakh had been raised.Around 2.30am on Tuesday, a sudden blaze erupted and spread rapidly through the premises. Elderly grandmother Audrey Alves, who owns the house and has lived there for decades, managed to escape with her son, Alistair. However, Adrien, Alistair’s eldest son, was trapped inside and died in the inferno. Alistair’s wife and their two younger children were out of town.An outpouring of grief and condolences erupted on social media. Locals recalled Adrien as a polite, well mannered and good-natured youth. Some remembered how he would eagerly help them when they arrived to service their bikes.Alistair owns the garage, Alves Corner, which services two-wheelers. His sisters, Giselle Maria and Gretchen, who live in the UK, initiated an online fundraiser to help him with emergency accommodation, clothing, food and basic necessities, and to rebuild their home and garage. The bungalow still stands but the fire damaged much of the family’s belongings. The sum will also aid Adrien’s funeral expenses.The garage is located directly beneath the family residence. While Alistair assesses the damage, he is unable to operate his business, resulting in a loss of income to him as well as his employees. The family’s insurance does not cover fire-related damage, leaving them with no financial support.Thane activist Melwyn Fernandes, who spread the word among the community, said, “We regret the death of the family’s young son, Adrien, who was set to become a chartered accountant and had a promising life ahead.”