A sudden kitchen fire at a popular bar and restaurant in South Mumbai's Colaba area resulted in two workers sustaining burn injuries on Sunday evening. The incident occurred in the bustling area located behind the iconic Taj Mahal Palace hotel.
Fire Erupts in Basement Kitchen
The blaze originated in the basement kitchen of the Hotel Diplomat Building, which houses the Social Bar and Restaurant. The building itself is a structure comprising a basement, ground floor, and five additional storeys. According to fire officials, the fire was sparked by a short-circuit in the kitchen's chimney.
Workers Sustain Burn Injuries
The fire, though intense, was brought under control and extinguished within a matter of minutes by the responding fire teams. However, two kitchen staff members were injured in the incident.
The injured workers have been identified as Sunil Singh, 28, and Subrat Barai, 25. Singh sustained approximately 5% burn injuries, while Barai suffered more extensive 15% burns. Both victims were promptly rushed to St. George Hospital for medical treatment. Hospital authorities have reported that both individuals are currently in stable condition.
Swift Response Prevents Major Tragedy
The quick action of the fire brigade prevented what could have escalated into a more severe disaster, given the restaurant's location in a densely populated and frequented part of the city. The police have confirmed the cause as an electrical fault. This incident highlights the critical importance of regular electrical safety audits and fire preparedness, especially for establishments in heritage and high-footfall zones like Colaba.
Authorities are likely to investigate further to ensure all safety protocols were followed and to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
