Major Fire Breaks Out at Times Tower in Kamala Mills Compound

Mumbai’s Kamala Mills compound, located in the bustling Lower Parel area, witnessed yet another fire incident on Friday morning, reigniting concerns about fire safety in the area. The blaze, which broke out at the 15-storey Times Tower building around 6:30 am, was classified as a Level 2 (major) fire by the fire brigade. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported.

Firefighting Efforts and Cause

According to civic officials, the fire originated in the building's electrical duct and was confined between the third and seventh floors, which feature a glass façade on the rear side. Firefighters worked tirelessly for nearly four hours to bring the situation under control. Eight fire engines, along with additional fire fighting vehicles and jumbo water tankers, were dispatched to the scene.

The firefighters, equipped with chisels and hammers, had to break through locked doors to access parts of the building and battle the blaze. Divisional Fire Officer KR Yadav confirmed that the building’s firefighting and sprinkler systems were operational and played a key role in containing the fire. However, a detailed investigation into the fire audit and overall safety measures is still pending.

Recurring Fires in Kamala Mills

This incident marks the third time in five years that a fire has broken out in the Kamala Mills compound, a commercial hub housing restaurants, offices, and media outlets. A devastating fire in December 2017 claimed the lives of 14 people and injured many others at a rooftop restaurant in the compound. The tragedy also impacted major news channels, including Times Now and ET Now, which were headquartered there.

Local political leader Sandeep Deshpande from the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) expressed his concerns over the recurring fire incidents. He criticized the lack of regular fire audits and claimed that illegal constructions in the area, allegedly backed by local MLAs, were exacerbating the risk of such incidents.

Ongoing Investigations and Safety Concerns

Authorities have announced a thorough investigation into the fire safety measures and audits conducted at the Times Tower and other buildings in the Kamala Mills compound. With rising commercial activities in the area and repeated fire incidents, concerns about building safety and regulatory oversight are becoming increasingly urgent.

As Kamala Mills continues to grow as a major commercial hub, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of stringent safety audits and measures to prevent further tragedies.