Kamala Mills Fire Tragedy
The preliminary fire investigation report shows that the fire embers from Hookah had triggered the fire that began from Mojo’s Bistro from the South East side
The preliminary fire report by the Mumbai fire brigade, that was out last evening, reveals that Mojo's Bistro did not have any permission to serve food in the open air terrace neither did the restaurant possess a trade licence of an eating house, requirements of fire safety measures for the entire restaurant and for any alterations. The report also states that 1 Above did not produce licence for permission to serve food in the open air terrace. The report also specifically states that, as per eyewitnesses, fire embers from the hookah led to the fire and the beer kegs, decorative materials and tarpaulin covers as monsoon shed or temporary shed led to the massive fire that spread across both the restaurants. However, the report does not mention of any fault of the inspecting or the concerned officers.
The report also mentions that although there was an emergency exit, there were no staff from both restaurants who guided the stranded. A bouncer also got stranded in a bathroom due to which 14 died due to suffocation. It also mentions that beer kegs along the exit path also blocked the escape and the keg eventually exploded and led to a bigger fire. The roof was surrounded with bamboos and cloth which led to the quick spread of the flames. It also reveals that the roof had been illegally occupied by both the restaurants. Also, fire tricks were being performed in the open but that could not have caused the fire, says the report. The night winds that blew strong caused the fire to spread quickly engulfing both restaurants in a matter of seconds.
The report clearly mentions that although hookah was prohibited, the hookah parlour and bar of both restaurants had been operating without permission. The buildings basement too carried out illegal activities. The fire fighting system that was present was of no use as the staff itself was unaware of the exit that could have saved more lives and the exit had been blocked with hotel material, that was probably stocked for new year eve.
The report also mentions that instead of guiding the stranded towards the exit, the security guard had asked them to stay inside the bathroom which led to suffocation resulting in the death of 14. Also, none of the staff tried to alert the fire brigade and it was only the security guard who called for the fire brigade and alerted them of the situation, thereby causing a delay for the fire brigade to reach the spot. Both the restaurants were located on the rooftop and there was no real wall between the two. The melting tarpaulins used as temporary shelters added to the fire injuries.
Further reasons and a thorough report is expected to come soon as the commissioner has ordered a report within a month. The report recommends a thorough investigation of the entire complex, as well as those who make illegal constructions have been asked to drop immediate hammer.
However, Ajoy Mehta in his statement on Thursday, at the General body meeting reiterated that the rooftop policy will be implemented and the condition will be to stop cooking food henceforth on the terrace, but to only serve food.
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Further demolition coming up
The BMC will continue its demolition tomorrow, under the Maharashtra Fire Safety Act which has stern actions, said Mehta. The Act calls for sealing and penalising the concerned person, without prior notice. “We will start taking actions under this act across the city on all commercial restaurants and pubs and those who have illegal alterations have respite for 15 days so that they have time to eliminate illegal constructions on their own without damaging their reputation.”
BMC seeks notification to take action against property not under its purview
To keep a check on all illegal constructions and properties that fail to comply with its fire safety norms, the BMC now seeks to issue a notification wherein it will be legally capable of taking action against those properties too that are not under its ownership. “For example, a slum that is built illegally one on top of the other and food is cooked on the ground floor, then action needs to be taken as per the fire Act. However, now it is not possible for my officer to take action against those slums that are under the ownership of the SRA or the BPT, ” Mehta said. In case of SRA, until the SRA declares the scheme, action will be taken by the BMC.