A major fire destroyed the second floor of the main administrative building at the high-security naval dockyard here on Thursday evening. A part of the heritage building constructed in 1807 was also gutted.
“There are no injuries or casualties. The fire was due to short circuit. It is under control now,” Narendrakumar Vispute, Public Relations Officer, Defence, told reporters outside Lion Gate of the Naval Dockyard, against the backdrop of the rising smoke and billowing flames.
The fire broke out on the second floor at around 4.30 p.m., he said. It spread fast because the entire structure inside was wooden. It reached the ceiling in no time and gutted the entire floor. The smoke could be seen from around a kilometre from the high-security premise which has many ships berthed for repairs and maintenance.
“Most of the employees in the building leave by around 4.30 p.m. So when the fire broke out, there was hardly anyone inside. There were around four-five persons who were rescued immediately, before the fire spread,” Ganesh Mhaprolkar, a ship-fitter who works in the dockyard, said.
“We were working in another building when we heard a loud sound from that building. The sirens went off and we were told to leave the premises immediately.”
The building where the fire broke out is also known as the Admiral Superintendent Dockyard building as it houses the office of Admiral Superintendent, along with other offices such as those of the top management of the yard. It contains important documents pertaining to the dockyard.
The Navy said the quantum of loss could not be decided as of now. “It is an administrative building. It contains all documents. The quantum of loss will be known only when we take stock,” Mr. Vispute said.
Fire brigade officials struggled for hours to bring the blaze under control. More than 20 fire engines were deployed. “Fire tenders were rushed from INS Shikra, Naval Fire Brigade and the Mumbai Fire Brigade,” Mr. Vispute said. The Mumbai Fire Brigade had sent more than 15 fire tenders to the spot.
Mr. Vispute said the Navy does not suspect any foul play.
Meanwhile, the police have not registered any case. “We do not know if we have to register a case. They [the Navy] will give us a report, then we will decide,” a police official said.
