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Journalism of Courage
Around 8,000 visitors at Westend Mall in Aundh had to be evacuated on Wednesday night after a fire was reported in an exhaust duct during peak visitor rush. No casualties were reported in the incident that caused panic among visitors.
Fire brigade officials said the fire, which started in the duct on the ground floor around 9 pm and reached the third floor, was brought under control in less than 20 minutes.
Fire officer Shivaji Memane said, “The fire started in the exhaust duct on the ground floor, possibly due to a short circuit. Due to the blower that was running, the fire quickly spread to the third floor but remained contained in the duct. However, it did cause panic, primarily due to the intense smoke that was generated.”
Memane added, “As two fire tenders from Aundh and Pashan fire stations responded, the mall staff and our teams evacuated all three floors of the mall in a systematic manner. Close to 8,000 visitors were evacuated. We brought the fire under control within 20 minutes by spraying water into the duct on all three floors. Because of swift evacuation and early control of the fire, no casualties were reported. Visitors also fully cooperated with us, and mall authorities took necessary steps in time.”
