Ghaziabad , A high-level probe into last month’s Ghaziabad inferno flagged poor maintenance of fire safety systems and alleged encroachments in open spaces and fire drive-ways as key factors that hampered firefighting and rescue operations.
The inquiry committee, constituted by the Ghaziabad district magistrate’s direction, submitted on Tuesday its report on the April 29 blaze that engulfed multiple floors of Tower-D in the Gaur Green Avenue Society high-rise residential complex in Ghaziabad’s Indirapuram area.
According to the report, the fire started from the ninth floor of Tower-D and rapidly spread upwards, affecting nearly 22 flats. Around 17 fire tenders, hydraulic platforms and nearly 70 fire personnel were deployed during the operation, while several residents, including an elderly man on oxygen support, were rescued safely.
No casualties were reported in the incident.
The committee said several residents informed investigators that the fire alarm system was not functioning properly during the incident and that maintenance of fire safety mechanisms was unsatisfactory.
It also found that constructions and obstructions had allegedly been developed in open areas and designated fire drive-ways in violation of the approved building plan, affecting access for firefighting vehicles and creating difficulties during rescue operations.
When comparing the approved layout with the actual site, the committee found that boundary walls and temporary structures were constructed around the green area, swimming pool and clubhouse in front of Tower-D.
These structures appeared, prima facie, to have impacted firefighting efforts.
However, the report stated that the panel found no direct evidence of conspiracy or deliberate arson based on the CCTV footage and other material examined.
It said the exact cause of the fire could not be conclusively determined.
The electrical safety department found the electricity supply and MCB at Flat No. D-943 to be in normal condition, prima facie ruling out a direct electrical short circuit as the immediate cause.
The committee recommended a detailed probe by local police and technical agencies to ascertain the exact reason behind the blaze. The panel also recommended the immediate removal of encroachments and unauthorised constructions in group housing and commercial complexes, keeping fire drive-ways obstruction-free, regular inspection of fire safety systems, deployment of trained fire safety personnel and periodic mock drills.
The committee comprised the secretary of the Ghaziabad Development Authority as chairman, and the additional district magistrate , the chief fire officer and the assistant director of electrical safety as members.
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