12 November,2015 10:55 AM IST | | Bipin Kokate and a correspondent
A sudden blaze broke out at the Wilson College Gymkhana in South Mumbai on late Wednesday night. It took the fire department over two hours to douse the sudden blaze, no casualties reported
Wilson College Gymkhana fire
A sudden blaze broke out at the Wilson College Gymkhana in South Mumbai on late Wednesday night. It took the fire department over two hours to douse the sudden blaze.
Also read: Fire breaks out at South Mumbai's Crawford Market
Watch Video
Fire officials confirmed that the grade II call came moments before midnight and was attended by the fire engines from Nariman Point Fire Department.
Firefighters attempting to douse the flames at Wilson College Gymkhana. Pics/Bipin Kokate
Officials have confirmed that no one sustained any injuries and those inside the Gymkhana were rescued successfully.
While the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, officials are of the opinion that there is a chance of it being caused due to a stray firecracker from the Diwali celebrations at Marine Drive.
Around eight fire engines and as many tankers were deployed to the scene at around 12:30 am. Effors to control and douse the flame went on till 2.30 am.
Firemen who are still checking the extent of damage to the heritage structure said that it will take some time before they can comment on the losses and that the work is still going on.
Speaking to mid-day, fire officials said that they are investigating whether the fire was caused due to firecrackers.
Also read: Minor fire breaks out in South Mumbai commercial building; no one hurt
Additional Divisional Fire Officer, K F D'souza from Nariman Point Fire Department, said, "There was too much traffic on Marine Drive, due to which it was difficult for us to reach the site on time. We tried approaching the area from the opposite lane, but people were bursting crackers on roads and the number of cars added to traffic woes."
Talking about the extent of loss, and the reason behind the fire spreading swiftly, he added that the wooden structure and other combustible material in the ground at gymkhana led to the fire spreading faster.
"The structure is partially damaged but the losses are certainly running into lakhs. The decorative material stored in the premises of the structure meant the fire spread quickly. We are carrying out secondary investigations to understand the cause of fire and extent of losses," added D'souza.
