Two more victims of the Kandivli gas leak fire died on Monday while undergoing treatment at the Airoli Burns Centre, taking the death toll to four. Police have now registered an FIR against the shop owner and the catering service operator for negligence.
The deceased have been identified as Shivani Gandhi, who ran the catering business at the shop, and Nitu Gupta, who was employed there. Both had sustained 80–90 per cent burns in the blaze that broke out at the Kandivali East shop on September 24.
Other victims still battling for their lives include Janaki Gupta, 39, with 60–70 per cent burns, and Durgavati Gupta, 25, with 90 per cent burns — both are on ventilator support. Manaram Kumavat, 55, who suffered 40 per cent burns, is reported to be stable.
On Sunday, Rekha Gupta, 47, died at Kasturba Hospital, while Poonam Putni Gupta, 30, succumbed during treatment at the Airoli Burns Centre. Both were employees at Gandhi’s catering shop.
According to police, the fire was triggered by a gas leak inside the shop. A police officer told mid-day,
“We have registered an FIR against Yogendra Mistry, the shop owner, and deceased Shivani Gandhi, who was running the catering business on rent, for negligence. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the employees was aware of the gas leak and had placed the leaking cylinder in a water drum before locking the shop. When they later returned and switched on the light, the fire broke out and spread rapidly inside. No cylinder blast occurred.”
Investigators said they are awaiting reports from the BMC and the fire department before proceeding further.
Sept 24
Day the incident occurred
