Mumbai: CM orders probe into Kalbadevi blaze, report expected in 3 weeks

Devendra Fadnavis

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis yesterday ordered a probe into the Kalbadevi blaze, which killed two and injured several others on Saturday.

Devendra Fadnavis

A high-level committee headed by Additional Municipal Commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee will probe the cause of the fire, action taken and lacunae in activating and mobilising resources. The committee is expected to submit its findings within three weeks.

"Pained to know that our two firefighters lost their lives in Kalbadevi fire. I salute their fighting spirit and the commitment towards serving people… State government will fully support their families. Praying for speedy recovery of injured officials. Directed BMC commissioner for in-depth inquiry," Fadnavis tweeted yesterday.

The BMC subsequently released a statement saying that the AMC Sanjay Mukherjee-led probe committee has already been formed, with the director of fire services, deputy municipal commissioner, chief engineer (mechanical and electrical), director (ES & P), chief fire officer and chief officer (disaster management) as its members.

"The committee will probe the cause of this fire, the response towards it, action taken against it, lacunae in activating and mobilisation of human and material resources, preparedness, strengthening of methodology for dissemination of information to stakeholders and long-term measures to be taken for fire safety of old buildings in crowded areas," the statement read.