Officials in Mumbai say that a major fire broke out in a pub in the Kamala Mills Compound on a roof top pub killing at least 14 people and hurting another 21 on Friday.
The blaze was reported around 12.30 AM from a bistro, The Mojo, a rooftop restaurant pub in The Kamala Trade House and quickly spread to another surrounding pub and a restaurant, said an official of BMC Disaster Control, reported IANS.
More than 12 fire tenders were rushed to fight the blaze which was brought under control around 6.30 AM.
While the majority of the victims are reported to have died on the spot, the firemen could rescue 10 others safely from the leaping flames. The injured have been admitted to the KEM Hospital and other hospitals for treatment.
The entire pub and the surrounding complex was full of patrons including many women and tourists thronging the fashionable area to unwind.
Mumbai Police have booked the owner of the pub for negligence and other charges for the fire, suspected to be triggered by an electric short-circuit.
The injured are undergoing treatment at the civic-run KEM and Sion hospitals, the official from the BMC disaster management unit was quoted by PTI.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted to the incident and expressed his anguish on the death of 14 people. His tweet read, “Anguished by the fire in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray that those injured recover quickly.”
Anguished by the fire in Mumbai. My thoughts are with the bereaved families in this hour of grief. I pray that those injured recover quickly: PM @narendramodi
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 29, 2017
The building, in Central Mumbai, houses some commercial establishments including hotels. According to the official, the cause of the fire remains to be ascertained.
There are many major corporate and media house offices situated in the posh Kamla Mills Complex whose working is likely to be affected on Thursday.