Massive fire ruins Make in India event

A huge fire broke out during the Maharashtra Night cultural event as part of “Make In India Week” at Girgaum Chowpatty on Sunday night. The programme was later called off. (Photo: Shripad Naik)

A big fire broke out on the stage during the Maharashtra Ranjani event at Girgaum Chowpatty on Sunday evening. While no casualties and injuries have been reported, the fire set off massive panic at the ceremony, which was part of Make In India week’s cultural programme and had several celebrities performing.

At around 8.20, the stage was suddenly engulfed in flames during a lavani performance. Amidst the initial mayhem, the organisers gesticulated to the dancers when they saw the fire and made them leave the stage. The police managed to evacuate more than 20,000 people, including several dignitaries and celebrities, safely. DCP Dhananjay Kulkarni, the official spokesperson of Mumbai police confirmed around 9 pm that the fire was fully under control.

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.

The fire brigade pressed 14 fire engines and seven jumbo fire tenders to control the flames, which were spreading fast due to the wind. The fire brigade has classified it at Grade 2 and said the cause was still unknown. n Turn to Page 5

However, eyewitnesses say the cause of the fire could be the firecrackers that were set off in front of the stage. “There were firecrackers being used as part of many performances. That could have resulted in some sort of short circuit resulting in the sudden fire,” he said, adding, “I was supposed to go on stage next and perform with my troop and I suddenly saw the fire. At first we stepped in to try and extinguish the fire. Soon we realised it was unsafe and decided to run away.”

Aditya Thackeray, who was also at the event tweeted: Unfortunate fire at the Make In India event in Chowpatty. As of now all safe, great effort by Mumbai Police and Fire Department in evacuation.

Even though the fire was managed smoothly, the organisers of the event were left distraught and embarrassed because the fire had put a dampener on the very high-profile event that was attended by dignitaries and celebrities from across the country. Amitabh Bachchan, Hema Malini were the star performers for the evening along with a number of smaller dance troupes that would showcase Maharashtrian culture. Vivek Oberoi was the official host of the evening. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, Uddhav Thackeray, governor C. Vidyasagar Rao, actor Aamir Khan, lyricist Prasoon Joshi were present at the event among others.

Actor Vivek Oberoi, who was at one of the flanks of the stage and was getting ready to perform another event, said the flames leapt 4O to 50 feet high and there was threat of it spreading to nearby tents beause of the strong sea breeze but things were brought under control because of timely coordination between various agencies.