The Fire Department had cautioned against the use of fireworks near the stage, but still, pyrotechnics and smoke machines were used, the report says. (File photo)
A case of negligence has been registered against the organisers of Make in India event for the massive fire that broke out during a cultural programme at Girgaum Chowpatty in Mumbai on February 14.
The fire broke out during the "Maharashtra Night" cultural show when some 10,000 guests including Governor C Vidyasagar Rao, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and celebrities were present at the city's famous beach. No one was hurt but the fire cost Rs. 5 crore.
The fire has been blamed on event management firm Wizcraft. The fire department's report has alleged "negligence" by the organisers.
Wizcraft International Entertainment has said that all safety precautions were followed.
The report of the fire department says otherwise. It says the blaze started beneath the stage but spread quickly because of adhesives around it. The organisers "did not follow instructions", it says.
"The likely cause of fire is...defective electric circuit (spark from the electric wiring came in contact with combustible materials underneath the stage) contributed by negligence of organisers/event management company by storing highly combustible material below the stage," said the report.
The fire had turned out to be a major embarrassment for the Maharashtra government as it stole some attention from the Make in India Week -- a showcase event for the state government's flagship manufacturing scheme.
The event was inaugurated by PM Modi a day before. Government delegations from 49 nations and business delegations from 68 participated in the event.