Kochi: Gutted building violated norms

Kochi: The owner of the six-storey building, where a massive fire broke out the other day, is likely to face action as an inspection by a special fire force squad on Thursday found serious lapses on his part in adhering to mandatory safety norms.

"There was a fire fighting system in the building but it was not properly maintained," said district fire officer A.S. Joji, who lead the spot investigation. "During the inspection, we found there was no water in the line."

The building owner had failed to renew the no objection certificate from the department since 2006. The emended rule mandates that it should be renewed every year. The building was also found wanting with respect to setbacks (open spaces) in the front, sides, and rear portions. There is a residential apartment at one side, hardly 3.5 metres apart. "There was no provision for ventilators, leave alone windows in the second, third and fourth floors. They were covered with tinsheets," sources said.The probe report, prepared by a team comprising Ernakulam regional fire officer and Kottayam regional fire officer is in the final stage and will be submitted to the district collector and the fire force director on Friday or Saturday.

Besides the fire force team, officials from the police, Pollution Control Board (PCB) and the superintending engineer of the Kochi corporation conducted separate inspections.

The Central Police registered a separate case and a probe into the mishap has started. "We've collected statements from the staff who were present in the building when the fire broke out from rear end of the first floor. Initial probe points towards short circuit as the reason. however, we'll also probe sabotage angle," sources said.