A senior fire brigade official told mid-day, “During the primary investigation, we found the basement had no ventilation, leading to dense smoke accumulation. The rooftop was also fully sealed, which prevented smoke and heat from escaping. If there had been proper ventilation, firefighting could have started immediately"
The Link Square Mall on Linking Road in Bandra on April 29. Pic/Atul Kamble
A preliminary inspection by the Mumbai Fire Brigade has revealed that the fire at Link Square Mall in Bandra West was intensified due to a completely sealed basement, a closed rooftop and the glass façade that left no room for ventilation. The fire brigade submitted its report to the inquiry committee earlier this week.
A senior fire brigade official told mid-day, “During the primary investigation, we found the basement had no ventilation, leading to dense smoke accumulation. The rooftop was also fully sealed, which prevented smoke and heat from escaping. If there had been proper ventilation, firefighting could have started immediately.”
The Link Square Mall, where the fire broke out in Bandra. File Pics/Atul Kamble
The fire broke out in the early hours of April 29, at 3.58 am and raged for 21 hours before being extinguished. Cooling operations continued for another 24 hours. The mall was completely gutted. The BMC has ordered a structural audit before the building can be reused.
Officials to submit detailed report
Explaining the next steps, officials said the fire brigade will submit a detailed inspection report covering the fire location, available safety equipment, lapses, and the firefighting timeline. The report will also include the mall’s internal structure, which will be cross-verified with building proposal documents to check for illegal alterations.
Officials said the mall’s internal fire safety audit report—Form B—was submitted online in January this year. Chief Fire Officer Ravindra Ambulgekar confirmed that a comprehensive fire report is being prepared and will be submitted to the committee. Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani has ordered a detailed inquiry to be conducted by Joint Municipal Commissioner D Gangadharan.
Peddar Road fire
In a separate incident, a fire broke out at 6.20 am on Monday at the Libas Tailor shop in Sukha Shanti Society, Peddar Road. The blaze was confined to electric wiring, installations, wooden furniture, and garments stored in the 4000 sq ft shop. It was doused by 8.54 am. Though the exact cause is under investigation, sources said a short circuit may have triggered the fire. The incident was first noticed by the society workers and the security guard, who alerted residents.
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