While the Mumbai Fire Brigade, National Disaster Response Force and police have been doing an exceptional job rescuing scores trapped under the hoarding in Ghatkopar East, it was the presence of mind of brothers Pravin Ware and Ashok Ware and their cousin Nutanraj Palve that saved 25 lives immediately after all hell broke loose on Monday evening. Garnering the support of 40-50 workers from an under-construction residential project, the trio was able to rescue survivors in just half an hour. The accused, Bhavesh Bhinde, was arrested on Thursday.

After the fire brigade arrived, the trio stayed at the site, providing water, buttermilk and food to survivors and arranging for ambulances. Pics/Atul Kamble 

The youths, the sons of retired policemen, reside opposite the ill-fated Bharat Petroleum pump. Pravin works as an assistant brand manager at a private firm while Ashok runs a two-wheeler showroom and Nutanraj oversees a stamp registration office in the area.