Firemen reluctant to inspect alone,few illegal CNG cylinders seized

Days after a CNG cylinder blast killed 5 and injured 25 in Bhendi Bazaar which has heavy presence of illegal gas trading units.

Days after a CNG cylinder blast killed 5 and injured 25 in Bhendi Bazaar (Chor Bazaar area) which has heavy presence of illegal gas trading units,the Mumbai Fire Brigade has been able to seize few cylinders from scrap shops over the past 72 hours,with the help of police. The reason is believed to be the firemens reluctance,out of fear,to inspect the shops without police accompanying them.

A station fire officer requesting anonymity said fire officials have to inspect the area for illegal and dangerous storage of cylinders while police seize the cylinders. While 30 cylinders were seized from shops in the Jamnadas building that collapsed due to the blast,seven were seized the same night from surrounding areas.

That day there was panic and heavy presence of police. But after that day there has not been much police presence and we are scared to go their alone. The people in the area can be violent, said the officer.

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The area has hundreds of auto-spare part shops,more than half of which are involved in the illegal gas trading business where cylinders are emptied unscientifically to sell the iron scrap. Chief Fire Officer Uday Tatkare said that a specific plan has to be made to solve the fire hazard problems in the area. We need proper police force protection and moreover a proper plan where the civic body can inspect the area,file an FIR against offenders followed by action from the local police, said Tatkare.

Three persons were arrested by the JJ Marg police station on after the incident on the charges of causing death by negligence.

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