Mumbai: A major fire broke out at the Times Tower in the Kamala Mills area of Lower Parel West, Mumbai on Friday early morning. Four floors of the 14-storey glass facade building were covered with fire. After over five and half hours of firefighting operations, the blaze was doused at 11.54 am, the authorities informed. No injuries were reported.
As per information received from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the fire was reported at 6.29 am. "The fire was confined to electric wiring in the electric panel from the 7 to 10th floor and electric wiring, electric installations, false ceiling, furniture, office records, files in the office on the 7th, 8th and 9th floor and Acrylic sheet from out side of the building from ground floor to 10th floor."
"The fire was covered from all sides at 10.17 am. Officials of Mumbai fire brigade along with local police and staff of the ward office were rushed to spot. Five fire engines, seven jumbo tankers and ambulances deployed were deployed. The fire was extinguished at 11.54 am," the BMC statement said.
Efforts Taken By Firemen To Break Doors
As per fire officials, "Fire is confined in electric duct from 3rd to 7th floor from back side of the building. The firemen used chisel hammer to break the locks of the doors of the second floor offices up to the 14th floor. Fire extinguishing work is in progress.
Visuals of the fire incident have surfaced on the internet showing the Times Tower burning on one side. Massive flames and black smoke can be seen billowing from the building.
About 2017 Kamala Mills Fire
On December 29, 2017, at around 12:30 am, a fire broke out at the 1Above restaurant and quickly spread to Mojo’s Bistro in the Kamala Mills compound, resulting in the tragic deaths of 14 people and injuries to several others.
Following the incident, 14 individuals were booked by the Mumbai Police, including the owners of both restaurants, their staff, officials from the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), and the mill owners, for their alleged roles in the fire.
However, on November 10, 2020, the Mumbai sessions court discharged Ramesh Gowani and Ravi Bhandari, the owners of the Kamala Mills compound, from the case.
