Mumbai: A
massive fire broke out at a building in Kamala Mills Compound in the Lower Parel area of Mumbai. So far, 14 people have been reported dead and several others injured. Majority of those killed are women, according to civic authorities. The fire appears to have started at a restaurant at the top floor of the building, although the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. Those injured were rushed to King Edward Memorial Hospital and Scion Hospital. Fire-fighters took more than three hours to douse the huge flames that leapt up in central Mumbai's nightlife hub. The fire brigade found that illegal constructions exacerbated the fire, which finally brought the restaurants down.The building in Mumbai houses commercial establishments including news channels have had to stop broadcasting.
Here are the highlights of the fire at Mumbai's Kamala Mills Complex:
Dec 29, 2017 18:47 (IST)
Mojo Bistro, a pub in Kamala Mills, said its guests were escorted out safely and denied allegations of having cylinders on its premises.
Dec 29, 2017 14:42 (IST)
FIR registered against for not keeping any fire safety equipment, blocking safety exits and not helping those trapped in fire.
Dec 29, 2017 13:25 (IST)
Mumbai's civic body had been warned just months ago about deadly violations in the four-storey building at Kamala Mills where the fire at a rooftop restaurant left 14 dead. The politician who claims to have complained to the agency about the Trade House building says he was told that there was "nothing illegal".
Dec 29, 2017 13:19 (IST)
Investigation on the fire in Mumbai's Kamala Mills complex: S Jay Kumar, a senior Mumbai police officer said he could not speak on the cause of fire. "We have started our investigation... It is only after investigation that we will be able to say anything," he said.
Dec 29, 2017 11:42 (IST)
"Our deepest condolences go out to the families who lost their loved ones in the tragic fire incident at Kamala Mills. We wish a speedy and complete recovery to those injured. Congress workers in the area are urged to put their best foot forward to support the rescue operation," the official Twitter account of the Congress' Maharashtra wing posted.
Dec 29, 2017 11:15 (IST)
"BMC Commissioner has visited #KamlaMills in the midnight itself and has taken stock of the situation. Asked him to take strong action against erring officials immediately," Chief Minister Fadnavis said.
Dec 29, 2017 10:31 (IST)
"Disturbing to know about the loss of lives in unfortunate #KamalaMills fire incident in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the families who lost their loved ones and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Directed the BMC Commissioner to conduct an in-depth enquiry," Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis posted on Twitter.
Dec 29, 2017 10:29 (IST)
Several news channels also operate from the compound and had to shut down broadcast, reportedly due to damage to their equipment.
Dec 29, 2017 10:29 (IST)
A woman celebrating her birthday and her friends were among the 14 who died in the fire that started from a rooftop restaurant in Mumbai's Kamala Mills complex late last night. The 28-year-old woman's body was identified by her boyfriend, the police said.
Dec 29, 2017 09:48 (IST)
Prime Minister Narendtra Modi tweeted, "Anguished by the fire in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray that those injured recover quickly: PM @narendramodi"