Fire breaks out in Bhayandar hotel during demolition

Mumbai: A fire broke out on the terrace of a lodge-cum bar in Bhayandar during an ongoing demolition process being conducted by the Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) on Friday. The fire was reported from Hotel Equity in Bhayandar (east) at around 4 pm. According to preliminary findings, it was caused by a short circuit.

Fire brigade personnel rushed to the spot with fire tenders and brought the blaze under control within a couple of hours. “Prima facie it appears that the fire was apparently caused due to a short circuit. But there are no casualties. But plastic sheets and other waste material stored on the terrace was destroyed,” said Chief Fire Officer, Prakash Borade.  Besides rooms for lodging, the three-storeyed structure also housed a restaurant and bar on the ground and top floors.  The MBMC had started demolishing the structure on Thursday and it continued on Friday.  

Bar staffers allege that the fire was triggered due to sparks generated by the welding equipment while some rods were being dismantled by untrained workers deployed by the civic administration. But on duty personnel refuted the charges saying that none of their staffers or contractual workers were on the terrace when the fire started.

“Investigations will throw light on the actual cause and reveal the possibility of any foul play,” said a police officer. A scuffle also ensued when a section of the irate hotel staff allegedly tried to manhandle the civic officials, but thanks to the timely intervention of the police, no untoward incident was reported.

Municipal commissioner Dr. Naresh Gite said that he will look into the matter.