Stars escape big blaze at Make in India fete in Mumbai, CM orders probe
Mumbai: A massive fire on Sunday night engulfed the stage at a cultural event held at Girgaum Chowpatty seafront here where a string of film celebrities and political leaders were present as part of the high-profile ‘Make in India’ investment meet but there were no casualties.
The fire that broke out at around 8.22 pm was put under control, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told reporters. “No casualties reported, no one is injured,” he said.
WATCH: Moment when fire erupted on stage at #MakeInIndia event in Mumbai.https://t.co/zJ9IaLnvVC
— ANI (@ANI_news) February 14, 2016
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who had on Saturday inaugurated the event, spoke to Mr Fadnavis about the fire incident.
“PM @narendramodi has spoken to Maharashtra CM @Dev_Fadnavis over the fire incident in Mumbai,” his office tweeted.
Hon'ble PM @narendramodi just spoke to me over the phone about the unfortunate incident and extended all support from GoI.
— Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) February 14, 2016
All the VVIPs including Mr Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, Amitabh Bachchan and Aamir Khan were safely evacuated to safer areas. The programme was later called off. Mr Bachchan had left the stage a few minutes before the fire started.
WATCH: Massive fire break out during cultural programme at '#MakeInIndia week' event in Mumbai.https://t.co/Zczzy0FzWw
— ANI (@ANI_news) February 14, 2016
The disaster management plan put in place ensured the safe passage of the people attending the event — Maharashtra Rajni — Mr Fadnavis, who personally monitored the evacuation operation from the venue, said.
The blaze was brought under control in quick time by 14 fire engines and 10 water tankers with swift evacuation of thousands of people.
The exact cause of the fire that broke out one hour after the entertainment segment had begun was not known but state BJP spokesman Atul Shah, who was seated in the front row, said the fire apparently broke out from beneath the stage.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, “It was a very unfortunate incident which occurred while the event was in progress. Soon after the incident occurred, the fire fighters evacuated all the citizens and dancers safely. I have ordered an inquiry into the incident and a report will be prepared and 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.”
He also added that the fire would not impact the other ‘Make In India’ week events, which are scheduled in the city till February 18, 2016.
