The city of dreams woke up to a tragic news of the Kamala Mills fire incident and Mumbaikars are shook. With death toll of 14 and with 19 people injured, it yet again brought us face-to-face with the ignorance of the fire safety standards of the city.
People were angry because, time and again, they have tried to raise their voices against the shoddy fire safety standards of the places in the Kamala Mills compound. They had even tweeted about it, but it all fell on deaf ears.
Amidst the 14 lives lost, 11 were of women and amongst them was 28-year-old Khushbu Bhansali. Khushbu and her husband, along with 20-25 friends were at 1 Above, ringing in her birthday celebrations.
When the tragedy struck, Khushbu was not to be located and was later found dead, near the ladies washroom – where people died because of suffocation.
Speaking to Indian Express, Khushbu’s grandfather, Babulal Mehta, pointed out of the 20-25 family and friends, Khushbu and another girl Kinjal Shah lost her life due to suffocation.
WATCH | A 28 year old who was in one of the pubs in the building to celebrate her birthday also lost her life in Mumbai’s Kamala Mills compound fire. Her grandfather Babulal Mehta spoke to TIMES NOW pic.twitter.com/vHyfxbhs5q
— TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 29, 2017
“My granddaughter was in the lounge to celebrate her birthday. Her husband had planned the party and had invited her friends too.
Suddenly there was the sound of a blast, due to which everyone got scared and started running towards the exit. After the place caught fire, Khushbu’s husband Jayesh managed to reach downstairs safely. And he immediately realised that his wife was missing. He rushed to 1 Above to check on her, but couldn’t locate her.”
He even alleged that his granddaughter’s life could’ve been saved had proper medical care been given to her.
“The ambulance didn’t provide her proper medical care.”
Khusbhu’s uncle, Jetmal Bothra added,
“I rushed to KEM Hospital as soon as I got a call. Her friends told me there was no fire exit, due to which many people rushed into the toilet and died of suffocation. The whole family is shocked at the news.”
This is just so heart-breaking and our condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes of speedy recovery to the ones injured.