Short circuit causes fire at the Make in India event in Mumbai, says probe report

Mumbai: The devastating fire at 'Make in India' event in Mumbai on February 14 was apparently caused due 'electrical short circuit'.

The investigation report of the Maharashtra fire department - accessed by the CNN-IBN – hinted negligence towards the organizers for ignoring safety norms while laying the electrical cables especially under the main stage.

The report also slammed the event organizer for keeping inflammable materials carelessly beneath the stage, which includes adhesive, paint, varnish and LPG cylinder.

After examining the place of incident, the fire officials found that the electrical spark came in contact with these combustible materials including LPG cylinders and aggravated the situation.

"The LPG cylinder in the vicinity burst after coming in contact with the fire and it leaked the entire stage quickly due to high wind speed," the report said.

Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who was present at a function at the 'Make in India' event, ordered an investigation into the fire.

CNN-IBN earlier reported that electrical short circuit could be the reason behind the incident.

At the time of the incident a large number of delegates, investors, politicians and actors were present. Then, all of them were immediately evacuated by the fire department officials and the local police.

VVIPs like Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, his wife Amruta Fadnavis, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, actor Amitabh Bachchan, Amir Khan, Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao were present in the event.

"A fire safety audit was conducted prior to programme and all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) were followed. A comprehensive inquiry into the incidence of fire will be conducted to ascertain reasons," Fadnavis had said.