Kamala Mills fire: Security guards' quick thinking saved 150 people
Last night, a massive fire in a pub in Mumbai's Kamala Mills killed 14 people and injured about 21. Most killed were youngsters celebrating the birthday of one of the deceased, Khushboo Mehta. However, the casualties would've been higher, had it not been for the quick thinking shown by two security guards. How did guards Suraj Giri and Mahesh Sable save lives? Read on!
How did the tragedy happen?
A fire reportedly began at 1-Above shortly after 12:30 am. It then spread to the Mojo and London Taxi Gastro Pub. Around 150 people were in the building at the time. Six fire tenders, four water tankers, emergency ambulance and police were rushed there.
How did the two security guards save lives?
Suraj and Mahesh saw the fire broke out at the nightclub, just after midnight. They noticed that most patrons couldn't escape because the flames blocked their path. The Times Now office is part of the same complex as the nightclub. Mahesh directed patrons to escape from another terrace, while Suraj stood downstairs and guided them. Together, they saved over 150-200 guests.
What details have emerged?
The fire brigade saved at least 35 injured persons, who were shifted to the hospital. The fire spread due to carpets and wooden floors. It later engulfed the entire building. 1-Above has a narrow exit; thus, after the fire began, many guests, in order to escape, rushed towards the washrooms where most bodies were found. KEM hospital says most casualties happened due to suffocation.
What has been done till now?
Preliminary investigations revealed negligence/irregularities in following safety norms. Police booked C Grade Hospitality's Hratesh and Jigar Sanghvi and Abhijeet Manka, who manage the pub, among others. They have been booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder and endangering life. BMC suspended five of its officials. After Elphinstone stampede, another tragedy hits Mumbai, due to negligence. Will the administration now wake up?
