(ANS – Kurla) – On Friday 16 October eight persons, including seven students of the Don Bosco Institute of Technology, were killed in a blaze that engulfed a popular eatery in Kurla (West).

By Fr Joaquim Fernandes, sdb

“The Salesian Province of Mumbai condoles with the families and relatives for this great loss. We are deeply saddened by the news of your loss of your beloved loved ones. We pray that God will grant you the strength needed most to get through this moment in your life. Our sincere condolences to all the family members” a statement from the Salesians Province says.

The incident took place around 1 pm at a Chinese-cum-fast food restaurant named City Kinara on Premier Road, located near Christian village and opposite Holy Cross High School, when the eight patrons were dining on the first floor. The area has several educational institutions and offices. The seven students have been identified as Bernadette DSouza, Erwin DSouza, Sajid Chaudhary, Brian Fernando, Taha Shaikh, Sharjeeel Shaikh, Akash Thapar, along with Arvind Kanojia.

“There was nothing we could do,” said D Vidya Thakur, medical superintendent, Rajawadi Hospital, Ghatkkopar.

Police said the restaurant staff managed to escape unhurt as the kitchen was located on the ground floor. The patrons, however, were trapped on the first floor. The fire was allegedly caused by a cooking gas leak. Police, however, ruled out an explosion while the fire department is investigating if faulty wiring led to a short circuit.

Two fire engines rushed to the spot and doused the blaze in 15-20 minutes.

Published 19/10/2015