At least 14 people were killed and over 21 injured after a massive fire broke out at a building in Kamala Mills Compound in Lower Parel on Thursday, December 28, late night.
Majority of the victims who died of asphyxiation are reported to be women.
Almost all died to asphyxiation, none of them have died to flames but due to fumes. A proper evacuation plan could have avoided this: Dr. Harish Pathak,Forensic dept head,KEM Hospital #KamlaMillsFire pic.twitter.com/ymgiibrQ7e
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017
The fire started at One Above Pub, located on the third floor of the four-storey Trade House Building in central Mumbai at around 12:30 am. It soon engulfed the entire place and took several hours to be put out. The cause of the fire is unknown.
Among the major violations in fire safety rules that have emerged so far is the absence of fire extinguishers in the restaurant. There were no emergency exits either.
The Kamala House compound also houses commercial establishments including hotels, media offices, a police official said. Several media outlets, including TV news channels Times Now, ET Now and TV9 Marathi, have offices in the complex.
Meanwhile, BMC Mayor Vishvanath Mahadeshwar said that an inquiry has been ordered in the Kamala Mills fire and action will be taken against those who are found guilty.
There are allegations of civic authorities turning a blind eye to illegal structures and violation of fire safety norms in the compound.
BJP MP Kirit Somaiya blamed BMC for Kamala Mills fire:
BMC officials are responsible for the murder of people in #KamalaMills fire, second such incident in two weeks, when will the BMC wake up?: Kirit Somaiya,BJP Mumbai MP pic.twitter.com/4t73av8nO8
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017
A Mumbai-based activist also held the municipal body responsible for the fire.
I made several complaints regarding illegal structures in #KamalaMills‘ premises, but the BMC replied that there is nothing wrong here: Mangesh Kalaskar, Activist #Mumbai pic.twitter.com/npv20egqmN
— ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017
Unfair to blame #KamalaMills squarely on Shiv Sena. For the last two decades, a BJP municipal councillor has been Mumbai’s Deputy Mayor. Both share power in BMC & are equally culpable. Why promise us Smart Cities when you can’t even fix the basics?
— Milind Deora (@milinddeora) December 29, 2017
This is 2nd major fire in Mumbai in one month. Earlier fire was in a Farsan unit which was running illegally with the blessings of corrupt #BMC officials. No case has been made against officials yet. https://t.co/8e4KnW71eT
— Sanjay Nirupam (@sanjaynirupam) December 29, 2017
AAP also blamed the BMC for the massive fire incident in Mumbai:
Fantastic. BMC Commissioner will conduct the inquiry.
Against himself?
Has he suspended the Dy Cmmsnr of that area yet? No chance!
Entire blame is on BMC officers. They are the ones who take bribes and give permissions. #KamalaMills— Preeti Sharma Menon (@PreetiSMenon) December 29, 2017
CM Devendra Fadnavis has now directed BMC Commissioner to take strict action against erring officials in the Kamala Mills fire incident.
Disturbing to know about the loss of lives in unfortunate #KamalaMills fire incident in Mumbai.
My thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.
Directed the BMC Commissioner to conduct an in-depth enquiry.— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) December 29, 2017
People have expressed their solidarity with the victims of the Kamala Mills fire incident and extended condolences.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tweeted:
Anguished by the fire in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray that those injured recover quickly: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 29, 2017
President Kovind also extended his condolences to the bereaved family:
Disturbing news about the fire in Mumbai. Condolences to the bereaved families and wishing the injured an early recovery. Commend the valiant efforts of fire-fighters and those in rescue ops #PresidentKovind
— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) December 29, 2017
Disturbed to know about the tragic #KamalaMills accident.
Prayers for all who have suffered in this unfortunate hazard.— Poonam Mahajan (@poonam_mahajan) December 29, 2017
My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones in unfortunate fire incident at #KamalaMills. Wishing speedy and complete recovery to those injured.
— Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) December 29, 2017
Sad to hear about the tragic #KamalaMills fire in #Mumbai. Pray for all those who lost their lives. My thoughts are with their families and the injured.
— Vasundhara Raje (@VasundharaBJP) December 29, 2017
Bollywood celebs also expressed shock and grief over the incident:
Cant believe what happened at #KamalaMills. All my love for the families affected, wish you all the strength to cope.
— Parineeti Chopra (@ParineetiChopra) December 29, 2017
Very Saddened by the #KamalaMills fire tragedy. My deepest condolences to the families who lost their loved ones. May God give them the strength to deal with their loss. Praying for the speedy recovery of the people injured in this fire._
— Anupam Kher (@AnupamPkher) December 29, 2017
Deeply saddened to hear about the #KamalaMills tragedy. Condolences to the family who lost their loved ones & prayers for the recovery of the injured. __
— Riteish Deshmukh (@Riteishd) December 29, 2017
Praying for the safety of everyone who are in around #kamalamills #LowerParel as there is a major fire in one of the bldngs. #kamalamillsfire
— Ashoke Pandit (@ashokepandit) December 28, 2017
