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Agni Raksha Niti presents this comprehensive fire and safety incident summary for the week from 1st September to 7th September 2025. During this period, six major fire-related incidents were reported across Delhi, Mumbai, Kanpur, Visakhapatnam, and Navi Mumbai, impacting transport systems, residential high-rises, industrial units, and critical energy infrastructure.
The incidents led to 1 fatality, 19 injuries, and substantial property and chemical losses. This report provides insights into what went wrong, how it can be corrected, and how similar events can be prevented in the future.
📅 Date & Time: September 4, 2025 – 10:53 AM
📍 Location: Near Defence Officers Enclave, Dhaula Kuan, Delhi
Incident Brief
A DTC CNG bus traveling on Route 776 was stationary at a bus stop when a speeding motorcycle crashed into its rear and got trapped beneath the vehicle. The impact generated sparks, which ignited the CNG system. Within minutes, flames engulfed the rear section of the bus. Fortunately, the driver and conductor acted swiftly, evacuating all passengers. One biker was injured and hospitalized.
What Went Wrong
Rear impact led to mechanical failure and CNG leakage.
No spark barrier or fire suppression system present in the engine compartment.
Corrective Measures
Full technical audit of fleet buses, focusing on CNG line integrity and collision protection.
Repair or replacement of outdated fire-prone systems.
Preventive Actions
Install automatic gas shut-off valves.
Retrofit rear-end spark protection barriers.
Equip all buses with fire extinguishers and heat sensors.
Emergency Preparedness
Mandatory fire safety training for drivers and conductors.
Real-time GPS-based alert system for public transport emergencies.
📅 Date & Time: September 7, 2025 – 3:00 PM
📍 Location: New Janakalyan Society, Dahisar East, Mumbai
Incident Brief
A fire broke out in the electric meter room located in the basement of a 24-storey building. It rapidly traveled through vertical electrical ducts, causing heavy smoke to rise through all floors. Panic ensued as residents were trapped in upper floors due to thick smoke and lack of functional smoke control systems. Rescue teams evacuated over 30 people using ladders and breathing apparatus. Unfortunately, a 75-year-old woman died due to asphyxiation, and 18 others sustained injuries, including smoke inhalation and minor burns.
What Went Wrong
Electrical overloading or short-circuit in poorly maintained meter rooms.
Absence of fire-rated duct enclosures and functional smoke extractors.
Corrective Measures
Overhaul of all electrical panels in the building.
Installation of smoke management systems and compartmentalization in vertical shafts.
Preventive Actions
Quarterly maintenance audits of electrical infrastructure.
Fire alarms, emergency lighting, and smoke detectors in all corridors and stairwells.
Emergency Preparedness
Mandatory resident fire drills.
Training of security personnel in evacuation procedures.
Establish building-wise emergency response teams.
📅 Date & Time: September 7, 2025 – Early Morning
📍 Location: Industrial Area, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Incident Brief
A minor fire broke out in a small-scale betel nut processing unit. Workers arriving early noticed smoke from the machinery section. Local fire services were alerted and quickly contained the blaze. No injuries or fatalities were reported. Preliminary findings suggest overheating of motors or improper waste disposal may have triggered the fire.
What Went Wrong
Overheated processing equipment and absence of thermal cut-off systems.
Inadequate storage practices for flammable waste materials.
Corrective Measures
Conduct a thorough audit of machinery and replace outdated systems.
Introduce fire-retardant storage containers and upgrade electrical insulation.
Preventive Actions
Set up clear fire zoning in small factories.
Periodic inspection and maintenance of electrical systems and motors.
Emergency Preparedness
Factory-level fire evacuation drills every 6 months.
Workers trained in basic firefighting using extinguishers and blankets.
📅 Date & Time: September 7, 2025 – Around 2:00 PM
📍 Location: EIPL Storage Tank Terminal, Visakhapatnam Port
Incident Brief
A massive fire erupted at the East India Petrochemicals Limited (EIPL) terminal. The blaze started from a storage tank handling petroleum products, possibly due to leakage during product transfer. Flames reached high into the sky, prompting a joint response from the Indian Navy, local fire units, and the VPA (Visakhapatnam Port Authority). Firefighting foam units were used, and after two hours of continuous efforts, the fire was brought under control.
What Went Wrong
Potential leakage of volatile hydrocarbons during transfer.
Absence of gas detectors and automatic shut-off systems.
Corrective Measures
Immediate repair and testing of pipelines and valves.
Structural integrity audit of all tanks and transfer points.
Preventive Actions
Install gas detection, emergency cut-off, and real-time monitoring systems.
Establish safe transfer protocols with pre-transfer hazard checks.
Emergency Preparedness
Joint drills with Navy and port authorities every quarter.
Full-scale chemical fire response simulation for staff and contractors.
📅 Date & Time: September 7, 2025 – ~2:30 PM
📍 Location: Adjacent Tank Farm, Visakhapatnam Industrial Zone
Incident Brief
Minutes after the EIPL fire, a separate fire incident occurred at a nearby methanol storage tank, caused by a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. The fire burned for nearly 50 minutes and led to the loss of ~1,000 liters of stored methanol. The nearby diesel tanks were protected, and no casualties were reported. The incident raised serious concerns about the absence of lightning arrest systems.
What Went Wrong
Inadequate lightning protection.
Flammable vapors exposed to atmospheric ignition sources.
Corrective Measures
Install grounding systems and lightning arrestors.
Reassess atmospheric venting and vapor control design.
Preventive Actions
Design methanol tanks with spark-proof fittings.
Use flame arrestors and explosion-proof enclosures.
Emergency Preparedness
Maintain on-site foam units.
Cross-agency coordination during natural hazard-triggered fires.
📅 Date & Time: Date not publicly disclosed (within Sept 1–7, 2025)
📍 Location: ONGC Uran Plant, Navi Mumbai
Incident Brief
A minor fire incident occurred after a gas leak from an isolated segment of the pipeline within the ONGC Uran plant. Automatic fire suppression systems activated, and the fire was controlled with no injury or damage. ONGC internal teams initiated inspections of nearby pipelines.
What Went Wrong
Pressure anomaly or wear in the isolated gas pipeline.
Delayed gas leak detection.
Corrective Measures
Replace aging pipeline sections.
Pressure testing and non-destructive testing (NDT) of joints.
Preventive Actions
Integrate AI-based gas detection systems.
Routine maintenance per petroleum safety regulations.
Emergency Preparedness
Conduct emergency shutdown and evacuation drills.
Train all contractors in gas hazard response protocols.
| Incident | Property Loss (Estimated) | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delhi – DTC Bus Fire | ₹25–30 lakh | 1 | 0 |
| Mumbai – Dahisar High-Rise Fire | ₹60–80 lakh | 18 | 1 |
| Kanpur – Factory Fire | ₹5–7 lakh | 0 | 0 |
| Visakhapatnam – EIPL Plant Fire | ₹1–2 crore (est., under review) | 0 | 0 |
| Visakhapatnam – Methanol Tank Fire | ₹10–15 lakh (1,000L lost) | 0 |
These six incidents across varied environments—from transport and housing to industrial complexes—highlight that fire threats are unpredictable and demand continuous vigilance. Prevention through maintenance, community awareness, and structured emergency response is not just wise—it’s essential.
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