PANJIM: A day after a major fire engulfed the Regional Transport Office (RTO) and a supermarket at the KTC Bus Stand Complex, the Fire and Emergency Services (FES) has stated that the building did not have any fire fighting system in place.
Fire officials said they believe Monday’s blaze started from Presidential Supermarket on the ground floor of the building after which the fire spread to the top floor.
During the last fire audit, approximately five years back, fire officials had specifically instructed the owners of the supermarket to open the closed sliding gates because its existence would prevent emergency services from smooth evacuation of the structure in an emergency.
Also, electrical wires had not been changed since 1982 and the space where the supermarket exists, was an open passage for commuters to pass with KTC later deciding to convert it into a commercial space, resulting in fire personnel finding it difficult to locate proper access.
KTC Chairman, Carlos Almeida said, “We are waiting for the fire and emergency services audit report to come after which KTC will order an inquiry as to why exits were not properly maintained.”
FES in 2014 had started an exercise auditing all government building and had completed an audit of 451 buildings for which recommendations had been given but they have not received reports of the measures being taken.
“Yesterday’s incident was an eye-opener. This is a major example before us if we do not adhere to the fire and safety measures and this is not only applicable to government offices but for all occupants. The risk today has increased much more than earlier,” FES Assistant Divisional Officer Ajit Kamat said.
