A significant fire erupted at the Times Tower, a seven-story commercial building in the Kamala Mills compound in Lower Parel early Friday morning. According to Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) officials, the blaze started around 6:30 am and prompted an emergency response, including the deployment of nine fire engines and additional firefighting units.
Classified as a “Level 2” major fire, the blaze was initially confined to the electric duct running from the 3rd to the 7th floor at the rear of the 14-story glass-fronted commercial building. No casualties have been reported as of now.
The Kamala Mills compound, which houses various commercial establishments, is no stranger to fire incidents. On December 29, 2017, a fire broke out in the compound at the 1Above and Mojo’s Bistro restaurants, tragically claiming the lives of 14 people and leaving several others injured. Following that deadly incident, 14 individuals, including restaurant owners, employees, and mill owners, were charged with culpable homicide under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act, 2006. However, on November 10, 2020, a Mumbai sessions court discharged Kamala Mills compound owners Ramesh Gowani and Ravi Bhandari from the case.
In response to today’s fire, authorities dispatched a comprehensive range of firefighting equipment, including four fire engines, one Mobile Fire Tender (MFT), one Quick Response Vehicle (QRV), an Aerial Work Platform (AWTT), two Jet Tanks (JT), and a Turn Table Ladder (TTL). The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, and the situation remains under close watch as firefighters continue to battle the blaze.
This marks another serious fire incident in Mumbai in recent months. Earlier this year, on February 26, a total of 37 individuals were rescued from the Options Commercial Centre in Santacruz West after a fire broke out, primarily affecting electric wiring and installations on the building’s second floor.
Authorities have reminded residents and business owners about the importance of fire safety, particularly in commercial and high-rise buildings. Investigations into today’s fire will likely focus on whether safety regulations were adhered to within the Times Tower and other buildings within the Kamala Mills compound.
Sources By Agencies