Bandra Link Square Mall Fire: BMC Probe Reveals Safety Audit Failures, Fire Systems Non-Functional; Action Recommended Against Agency

Mumbai: The inquiry into the Link Square Mall fire at Bandra West revealed that the mall’s fire-safety system was manual, non-functional, and lacked essential automated sprinklers. The report recommends taking action against the licensed fire safety agency responsible for the mandated biannual inspections, highlighting serious lapses in safety compliance.

An investigation team, led by Joint Municipal Commissioner Gangatharan D., conducted a thorough site examination and documented the fire’s progression over 22 hours. The blaze, traced to a short circuit in the basement, also prompted an inquiry into a potential delay in the fire brigade’s response.

A senior official emphasised that licensed fire safety agencies are legally obligated to verify the functionality of fire safety equipment and submit compliance reports. Failure to comply can result in penalties, including fines and imprisonment for six months to three years.

“The agency responsible for auditing the mall should have identified these critical issues, which might have helped contain the damage,” the official added.

On April 29, a Level 4 fire broke out in the basement Croma showroom, gutting two terrace restaurants and over 200 shops. The Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB) took 22 hours to control it, raising serious concerns about the effectiveness of its response.

NCP leader Zeeshan Siddique had criticised the MFB for its delayed and inadequate action, which he said contributed to the complete destruction of the structure.