A cautious Mumbai bans flying lanterns till January 22

This comes a day after 14 people, including 11 women, died in a massive blaze that engulfed Mumbai's Kamala Mills Complex

MUMBAI: A day after 14 people, including 11 women, died in a massive blaze that engulfed Mumbai's Kamala Mills Complex, police banned the use, sale and storage of flying lanterns in the city till January 22, 2018.

In an official statement, the Mumbai Police said that the lanterns “may cause grave danger to human life, safety & injury to public property.”

Earlier today, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) demolished several illegal structures in Lower Parel area which did not have valid permits. The civic body had suspended five officers for dereliction of duty in connection with the massive blaze in the Kamala Mills compound.

On Thursday night, a fire was reported at around 12.30 am from a rooftop restaurant in The Kamla Trade House. 

The fire quickly spread to another pub and a restaurant in the vicinity. Over 200 people on the premises were trapped in the fire that killed 14 and injured 23.

More than 12 fire tenders were rushed to fight the blaze which was brought under control around 6.30 am. Doctors claimed that most of the people died due to asphyxiation.