Currey Road blaze: Sprinklers didn't start working when the fire broke out, say residents

The police's initial probe in the fire that broke out at Currey Road's One Avighna Park on October 22 has revealed that the firefighting system was working but it was set on low pressure. While there were conflicting statements from residents on whether the fire alarm went off, almost all of those questioned said the sprinklers did not work. However, the cops said that the Fire Brigade was yet to file the report, which will reveal the exact cause of the incident.

A fire broke out on the 19th floor of One Avighna Park, a 61-storey high-rise, last Friday morning. The blaze had claimed the life of a 30-year-old security guard. Kalachowkie cops have registered an Accidental Death Report (ADR) in the matter and are waiting for the fire report from the Fire Brigade. Initial probe has revealed that the flat where the fire started had done some internal changes, including relocating sprinklers. However, the fire-fighting system in the building was working but at a low pressure.

While some residents say they heard the fire alarm, some others claim it did not work

The Kalachowkie police have recorded the statements of 30 people, including residents, security guards, workers and maids. According to some statements, smoke was detected first from the video doorbell system of an apartment on the 19th floor. But it has not been found whether the cause of the fire was a loose connection in the video system or a short circuit in the main box.

"Some residents have gone on record to say that they heard the fire alarm but some others claimed that it did not work. But the sprinklers didn't start when the blaze started," said a police officer. "We are awaiting for the fire report to establish this fact," the officer added. The investigation has also found that the building premises have not been transferred to the society and its ownership lies with a private company. "We are looking into the papers to find out the exact liability. It's premature to fix responsibility now," said another officer.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 4) Vijay Patil said, "The investigation is on. We have lodged an FIR against those responsible for the fire. We are yet to fix liability, which will be done after receiving the fire report." The cops have registered an FIR under IPC sections 304A (causing death by negligence) and 336 (endangering life or personal safety of others).