Kamala Mills fire started from 'flying embers' from hookah illegally served at Mojo's Bistro: Report
Follow UsA detailed report issued by authorities in Mumbai has stated that the cause of the Kamala Mills fire which left dead 15 dead and many injured was due to the "fire started from the flying embers from the hookah being illegally served" in the Mojo's Bistro restaurant which was partially covered and which is unauthorised.
As per the report, the terrace was made up of a lot of combustible material, which led to the "fire spreading in seconds".
Moreover, the unauthorised covering of the open area in the 1-Above restaurant also had flammable material which immediately caught fire from the common wall of two restaurants shared.
The report also stated that the owners of the restaurants were responsible for the fire and death of people as no strict actions was taken and also for the use of "unauthorised covering" of open space.
The interior designers and architects of the restaurants have shown "zero precautions and diligence" in the construction of the unauthorised and dangerous structure and therefore should be subject to criminal actions as well, the report stated.
Similarly, what needs to be investigated is the "role of the facility manager" as mentioned in the "leave and license agreement" made with the restaurant owner, the reports added.
The report observed that departments of MCGM had given some permissions, and taken actions against the illegal use of terrace areas, unauthorised construction under MMC and MRTP Act.
The report also suggested measures to be taken to avoid such incidents in the future which mentioned that owner/occupier must appoint "one fire safety officer" among the employees who is trained in matters related to fire safety of buildings and commercial complexes, with his name and contact details submitted to the office of the chief fire officer.
The safety officer must have a designated uniform and should be easily identifiable, the report said.