07 March,2011 08:22 AM IST | | Parth Satam
Officers investigating the fire that gutted more than 40 vehicles in Kondhwa's Global Heights have ruled out short circuit as the cause of fire, thus exonerating Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) of neglect.
The MSEDCL had cut power supply to two units on February 26 for non-payment of bills. Residents alleged that in doing so, the power utility had left two live wires exposed, resulting in a short circuit, and that the sparks emerging from them fell on a two-wheeler causing fire.
Charred: Burnt vehicles at Global Heights in Mithanagar,
Kondhwa. Pic/Jignesh Mistry
An official investigating the fire said that the wires that had been left dangling were not getting electric supply. "How can a wire or any electrical device cause fire if no electricity is being supplied to it? This is simple science which people fail to consider, before jumping into conclusions," said the official requesting anonymity, as he is not authorised to speak to the media.
The officials have, however, not been able to determine the cause of fire. "We are still waiting for several statements to be recorded by the police and certain witnesses to be interviewed. Until then, it would be premature to arrive at any conclusion," said another official.
Even the fire brigade officials were clueless when asked about the cause behind the fire. Four apartments were partially burnt in the fire that occurred on March 1, but the 50 to 55 residents of the building escaped unhurt.
Police Inspector (Crime) Milind Thosar from the Kondhwa police station, who is investigating the case, said investigations are still underway and nothing could be commented upon at this stage. "We are probing all possible angles and awaiting reports from various bodies like the MSEDCL and the electricity inspectors who also inspected the spot. The cause is still unknown," said Thosar.
