The Mumbai Police on Wednesday arrested two people in connection with the fire at the ESIC Kamgar Hospital in the city’s Andheri (East) locality in which nine people died.
The police arrested site supervisor Nilesh Mehta and his assistant Nitin Kamble, and registered a first information report against them as well as two others who worked as welders at the medical facility, the Hindustan Times reported.
The police said sparks generated during welding work in the hospital’s old wing caused strips of rubber lying nearby to catch fire. “We have arrested Mehta and Kamble and will soon arrest the two welders,” said Navinchandra Reddy, the deputy commissioner of police (Zone 10).
The police also filed a case against Supreme Constructions, the firm contracted to carry out repair works at the hospital, The Indian Express reported. Another fire broke out at the hospital on Wednesday evening but there were no casualties.
According to the fire department, the hospital does not possess a no-objection certificate. “We kept asking for the no objection certificate from the fire department from them, but they were not able to show it to us,” an unidentified police officer told the Hindustan Times on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, two more people injured in the blaze died on Wednesday, News18 reported, raising the toll to 10. As many as 117 injured persons are still undergoing treatment, with 15 in a serious condition.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!