After battling 90 per cent burns sustained during last week’s Kalbadevi fire incident, Mumbai Fire Brigade’s Deputy Chief Officer Sudhir Amin succumbed to injuries at the National Burns Centre in Airoli on Thursday.
The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) in a statement said: “The MCGM regrets to inform you about the sad demise of Deputy Chief Fire Officer Shri Sudhir Amin, who was injured at Gokul House Fire Mishap..may his soul rest in peace...He succumbed to his injuries about 4:15 p.m. His body will brought for guard of Honour at Byculla Fire Brigade Head Quarters,” read the statement.
With this, the total number of deaths in the fire tragedy — that has raised several questions on the city’s fire safety and preparedness — has risen to three.
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Mr. Amin’s condition was brought to hospital in a critical condition , doctors said. Meanwhile city’s Chief Fire Officer Sunil Nesarikar, who sustained 50 per cent burns , continues to be at the hospital.
Among those who paid condolences to Mr. Amin was Governor of Maharashtra Ch. Vidyasagar Rao, who called him a martyr, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
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“Shri Amin had demonstrated exemplary courage while discharging his duty during the massive fire at Kalbadevi in Mumbai last week. He risked his own life to save that of others. Shri Amin is a martyr who died in the line of duty…. His death has caused anguish to one and all. I pray to God to give his family the strength to bear this great personal loss,” a message issued by Raj Bhavan said.
On Wednesday, the MCGM disbursed a compensation of Rs 17.35 lakh to the family of Station Officer M. N. Desai, and Rs 18.20 lakh to the family of Assistant Divisional Officer S. W. Rane; both officers were killed in the May 9 fire. Officials said one member from each family will be given a civic job, and educational expenses of their children will be taken care of by the civic body.
Meanwhile, a member of a committee formed to probe the incident said it was “too early” to fix responsibility.