Mumbai Fire Brigade report slams faulty fire system behind Bandra mall fire on April 29

An internal inquiry by the Mumbai Fire Brigade has revealed that the Link Square shopping complex in Bandra, severely damaged by fire on April 29, lacked a working firefighting system. The installed system was manual and required human intervention, but it was found to be non-operational.

The fire began in the basement-level Croma electronics showroom in the early hours and spread rapidly, taking 12 hours to control and 21 to extinguish. It was classified as a Level 4 fire — the highest category, demanding extensive firefighting resources.

Notably, the complex housed over 210 shops, many selling flammable goods, along with two large rooftop restaurants. Despite this, it lacked an automated fire response system with sensors and sprinklers. As per reports, the building’s fire safety was managed by a licensed private agency.

While there were no initial signs of structural changes, a formal audit by an empanelled expert has been advised. Meanwhile, shop owners, many of whom reported losses ranging from ₹6 lakh to over ₹80 lakh, are now exploring legal avenues for compensation following the report’s release. Authorities have also recommended an investigation into the private agency’s role.