Kalbadevi fire: Injured fire officers’ condition better

At its general body meeting Monday, the civic body promoted Amin as Deputy Chief Fire Officer, the post he was holding as an additional charge since a final approval from the general body had been pending for over two months.

Read: Kalbadevi fire: Garment shops in building could be illegal, says BMC

Opposition parties lashed out at the administration for the delay in promoting Amin and passing the promotion orders at a time when the officer is severely injured. Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam said, “It is a shame that his promotion comes only after such an incident took place. This is unfair. BMC gives least attention to the fire department.”

[related-post]

While Amin sustained 90 per cent fourth degree burns, Nesrikar suffered 50 per cent burns. Both also suffered lung injuries and Amin required ventilator support to breathe.

On Monday, the hospital’s ground floor lobby was filled with family members, friends and colleagues of the injured who turned out in large numbers. Nesarikar’s wife Jayshree told The Indian Express, “He spoke to me yesterday and is quickly recovering. He is out of danger.”

Amin’s family was also present at the hospital. “Amin’s wife and children were in Mangalore for a family function, so were the rest of us. He was going to join us on May 13 for an annual religious function, but then this unfortunate incident took place,” said Ganesh Bangar, Amin’s cousin. “He is blessed, doctors are saying he is getting better,” Amin’s younger sister Asha said.

Amin’s wife Sharmila and her sister who arrived in Mumbai Monday morning were the only family members who were allowed to see him in the operation theatre. According to the family, Amin’s children are being taken care of by the sister and are at the latter’s home. “Both (the fire officers) have a spirit to survive and that must be saluted. Amin was rescued moments before the entire structure above him collapsed,” said a senior official who did not wish to be named.

Sunil Keswani, cosmetic surgeon at the National Burns Centre, said, “Both are stable. Their situation is improving. Tomorrow we will perform a skin graf on Nesrikar. Amin is on dialysis as his kidneys do not seem to be functioning well.”

mumbai.newsline@expressindia.com