Mumbai inferno claims lives of 14 people, investigation is on

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India] Dec 29 (ANI): At least 14 people, including 11 women, lost their lives and several others were injured in Mumbai's Kamala Mills after a major fire broke out earlier in the day.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, after taking stock of the situation, told media, "This incident is very unfortunate and disheartening. I have ordered Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) Commissioner to conduct an inquiry and five people have been suspended by now."

He added that action is being taken against the owners, who are also responsible for the death of those people, and suitable Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections will be charged on them.

The deceased include a 29-year-old woman, who was celebrating her birthday in the compound.

A survivor of the horrific incident, Siddharth Shroff, who received 20 percent burn, expressed his ordeal saying that the exit gate was too narrow to escape and there were no fire safety measures to tackle such situations.

Five Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation officials were suspended in the wake of the massive fire at Mumbai's Kamala Mills.

The suspended officials include Madhukar Shelar, Dhanraj Shinde (Junior Engineer), Mahale (Sub Engineer), Padgire (Medical Officer) and SS Shinde (Fire Officer) and G. South Ward officer Sapkale has been transferred.

The blaze was reported from the Mojo's Bistro restaurant in the Kamala Mills which quickly spread to the neighbouring restaurant.

Meanwhile, Shiv Sena MP Arvind Sawant demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.

The fire is suspected to be triggered by an electrical short-circuit.

Earlier in the day, President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed condolences to the families of the deceased.

Further investigation is on in the case. (ANI)