Shillong, Feb 26: Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed the Assembly on Monday that though the preliminary inquiry indicates electrical conditions as the probable cause of fire that destroyed the Shillong Bar Association building, negligence on the part of the occupants can’t be ruled out.
Making a suo motu statement, the chief minister said, “As per preliminary investigation the supposed cause of fire is suspected to be electrical origin. As the per the peon of the Shillong Bar Association electrical wiring was found to be melting and hanging. However, negligence from the part of the occupants could not be ruled out”.
The full text below
Statement made by Chief Minister on the Fire Incident dated 24.02.2024 at 22.05 hrs that occurred at Shillong Bar Association Building, Shillong
This statement is based on the preliminary report submitted by the I.G.P, Fire and Emergency Services.
1. An information was received from the Police Control Room Shillong at 22.15 hrs. dated 24.02.2024 to the effect that a fire broke out in the Shillong Bar Association Building behind the DC East Khasi Hills District Office Building, Shillong.
2. Accordingly, the 1st Turn Out from Barabazar F&ES Station was activated at 22.16 hrs and subsequently 2nd Turn Out at 22.20 hrs respectively. On reaching the place of occurrence it was observed that the entire building was engulfed by raging inferno. As such reinforcements from Shillong F&ES Station and adjoining F&ES Stations were sought for.
3. On arrival of the IGP (F&ES) Meghalaya, Shillong an urgent assessment was made of the situation as the fire was huge in nature and posed a threat to the the surrounding buildings of the CJM Court, PHQ, Engineering Wing of PHQ and old MPRO building. The fire fighters sought to douse the fire from three sides to prevent the spread of fire and within 4 (four) hours of rigorous fire fighting, the fire was brought under control.
4. Altogether 6 (six) fire tenders were pressed into service as well as 2 (two) water browsers from the Shillong Municipal Board which provided assistance. About 45 (forty five) tanks of water were used for fire fighting.
5. The entire fire-fighting was supervised in presence of official of the Police and District Administration. The SDRF also arrived at the place of occurrence for assistance along with the SOT Squad. Officials from the SDMA were also present during the fire fighting operation.
6. As per preliminary investigation the supposed cause of fire is suspected to be Electrical origin. As the per the peon of the Shillong Bar Association electrical wiring was found to be melting and hanging. However, negligence from the part of the occupants could not be ruled out.
7. As per the preliminary investigation, no casualty or injury was reported in the fire incident. The damages to the contents and properties, and the Actual Cause of Fire will be assessed during the Investigation of Fire which will be conducted on 26.02.2024 and the detailed report will be submitted accordingly to the State Government. The District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills District has also ordered a magisterial enquiry into the fire incident.
8. Further, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Meghalaya, the Deputy Chief Minister i/c Urban Affairs, the Chief Secretary, the IGP – Fire and Emergency Services, Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills District, Superintendent of Police also rushed to the place of incidence to carry out a spot inspection and take stock of the situation on the night of the fire incident.
