Fire breaks out at 'Make In India Week' in Mumbai, brought under control

Mumbai: A major fire broke out on the stage during a cultural programme at the 'Make in India Week' at Girgaum Chowpatty on Sunday evening.

“Fire is fully under control,” the official spokesperson of Mumbai police DCP Detection Dhananjay Kulkarni said.

"It was a very unfortunate accident which occurred while the event was in progress. Soon after the incident the firefighters evacuated all the citizens and dancers safely. We have ordered an enquiry into the incident and report will be prepared. Only after that can we say anything. However, no one was injured and it was only because a fire audit was conducted four days ago. A comprehensive disaster management plan was prepared because of which the fire fighters could act smoothly," said Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.

Four fire engines and ten water tankers are pressed to the spot, engaging the fire and all senior officers from the fire department are on site, Fadnavis Tweeted, adding that traffic management allowed early dispersal without any trouble.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Udhav Thackeray, Bollywood actors Amitabh Bachchan, Aamir Khan, Hema Malini, Vivek Oberoi and others were present when the incident took place.

“It is very unfortunate incident at the Make In India event in Chowpatty. As of now all safe, great effort by Mumbai Police and Fire Department in evacuation," said Yuva Sena leader, Aaditya Thackeray.

Bollywood actors who were present at the spot gave firsthand accounts of the incident.

"I was waiting in my make-up van. My performance was in an hour. Then my staff told me that there is a fire. So, I stepped out to see. And sure enough the stage was on fire. And it's so windy the fire spread at an alarming speed," Bollywood actor Aamir Khan said.

“I was right there on the stage when the fire broke out. We were lucky that all the dancers who were performing were evacuated from the stage immediately after the fire broke out. Fire brigade officials were on standby and the whole situation was brought under control by fire officials,” Vivek Oberoi, who was on stage, said.

"The fire was uncontrollable, luckily people have been evacuated. The authorities worked very quickly. It was unfortunate, but everybody got out safe including VVIPs, 20,000 to 25,000 people were there. Suddenly the fire broke out. Luckily, the fire exits were clearly defined," said Poonam Mahajan, MP from Mumbai North Central constituency.

"I was there at the event because Mr Bachchan was reciting my poem. As soon as the recital got over, I left the venue and another event started and suddenly the fire broke out. I was out looking for my car when this happned, hope everyone is safe," said renowned lyricist and screenwriter Prasoon Joshi.

“Seeing the fire breakout from so up close at Makein India was really scary! My act was up next... Hope everyone is out safe and sound,” Sonakshi Sinha, actor.

The Make in India Week is aimed at showcasing to the world the achievements of the nation in the manufacturing sector and promote India as a preferred manufacturing destination.