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Local government orders probe into "Make in India" event fire in Mumbai

Xinhua, February 15, 2016 Adjust font size:

The local government in Maharashtra Monday ordered a probe to ascertain the cause of fire that broke out during a cultural event of much publicized economic event "Make in India" campaign in Mumbai, the financial capital of India, officials said.

Top officials of the city visited the accident site to take stock of the situation.

"A comprehensive inquiry into the incidence of fire will be conducted to ascertain the reasons," Maharastra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis was at the event when fire broke out.

The fire broke out on Sunday evening during a live show of the event campaign designed to attract foreign investment.

No loss of life or injury to any person was reported in the inferno. But the stage gutted completely.

Though cause of the fire is unknown, some reports suggest electric short circuit as reason behind the fire.

"We will probe all aspects, including finding out if there was a sabotage angle involved," a news agency quoted a fire brigade official as having said.

Officials said comprehensive disaster management plan in place and adherence to standard operating procedures helped in saving lives of people during the inferno.

India's official broadcaster - All India Radio said sound of explosion was also heard at the venue because of the presence of domestic gas cylinders, besides high speed winds added in spreading the blaze.

A large number of delegates, investors, politicians, bollywood superstars including Amitab Bachchan and Aamir Khan were evacuated from the venue, as blaze engulfed the stage.

Reports said nearly 25,000 people had gathered at the venue and performers were staging the cultural show when fire broke out below it. Endit