Major Fire Breaks Out at Link Square Mall in Mumbai's Bandra Area; No Injuries Reported After 18 Hours of Firefighting

A significant fire erupted at an electronics showroom in a Bandra mall, Mumbai, early Tuesday. The blaze spread to higher floors, and firefighting efforts continued for over 18 hours. Fortunately, no injuries were reported. However, the time taken to control the fire raised concerns. Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar called for an inquiry, although officials stated that the fire brigade was doing its utmost.

Fire Escalation and Response

The fire began around 4:10 am at Link Square Mall on Linking Road, initially confined to the basement electronics showroom. It later spread upwards, producing thick smoke visible from a distance. By 4:50 am, it was classified as a level III major fire and escalated to level IV by 6:25 am, necessitating extensive firefighting efforts.

A National Disaster Response Force team arrived at 7:50 am following a request from the Mumbai fire brigade. Although no injuries occurred, the adjacent building was evacuated as a precaution. Fire brigade chief Ravindra Ambulgekar and senior officials were present at the scene. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

Firefighting Efforts and Challenges

By 5:20 pm, the blaze was surrounded but not yet extinguished. Initially, 13 fire engines were deployed; this number reduced to eight later. As of 9 pm, firefighting operations continued. This incident marked the second major early-morning fire in Mumbai within two days; a previous one occurred at the Enforcement Directorate office in Ballard Estate on Sunday.

Former MLA Zeeshan Siddique claimed lapses by the fire brigade contributed to the spread. He stated that he and his team were present since 4 am and requested more water tankers due to an initial spark in the showroom's basement. Siddique alleged inadequate equipment hindered efforts to direct water effectively.

Official Statements and Inquiry

In response to Siddique's claims, local BJP MLA and Maharashtra minister Ashish Shelar instructed municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident. After visiting the site, Shelar noted significant damage to the building and businesses but confirmed no injuries occurred.

The Mumbai Fire Brigade refuted Siddique's allegations regarding water tanker shortages and equipment inadequacies. A senior official stated that 20 water tankers were available and all necessary equipment was used by trained staff. Due to dense smoke, 88 breathing apparatuses were employed.

Eyewitnesses suggested the fire started at 1:30 am, but the brigade was alerted at 3:58 am when smoke had filled the mall. Combustible materials like wooden partitions, rubber, shoes, purses, clothes, and cardboard exacerbated the situation. The mall's internal firefighting system failed due to power loss and non-operational sprinklers.

Fire brigade chief Ambulgekar highlighted challenges posed by combustible materials and obstructive partitions inside the mall. Mesh shutters facilitated fire and smoke spread between shops. Ambulgekar announced plans for a departmental inquiry into these issues.