Bengaluru Fire: Police Probe Fire Safety Compliance; Owner And Building Owner Booked

After a massive fire incident at a hookah bar in Bengaluru's Koramangala area on a Wednesday afternoon, the police have initiated an investigation into whether the establishment was in compliance with fire and safety regulations. There were no reported casualties, except for a chef who sustained injuries after jumping from the fourth floor. Responding to the emergency, eight fire tenders and over 35 firefighters were dispatched.

An investigation has been launched by the police to ascertain whether the restaurant was adhering to fire safety and other regulatory requirements. Both the café owner and the building owner have been named in the First Information Report (FIR) for alleged negligence in ensuring fire safety measures.

The fire originated on the rooftop of a commercial building in Koramangala, which housed a hookah bar and a pub known as Mudpipe Cafe. The blaze was exacerbated by a cylinder explosion in the kitchen of the establishment. Two individuals, including the individual who leaped from the terrace, sustained severe injuries and are currently receiving medical care at a private hospital.

The fire commenced around noon within the Mudpipe 'Hookah bar and cafe' situated on the building's top floor, where several LPG cylinders were stored. Nearby residents were alarmed by explosion-like noises and rushed to witness the top floor engulfed in flames. Importantly, no patrons were inside the café when the fire erupted.

A team of eight fire tenders swiftly arrived at the scene to extinguish the fire, averting further catastrophe.