Carlton Towers fire Tragedy

It was just another evening of Feb 23rd 2010 and people having snacks at office cafeteria balcony, but soon it turned out to be witness for the most unfortunate tragic scene of silicon valley, for us working at diamond district which is right opposite to carlton towers. Initially we just saw some some engulfing from top of the tower, our impression was that it might be some problem with the generator on top of building but soon it turned to be false as the major portion of the building has smoke engulfing.

The next few hours of scene in front of the building was disturbing and would make any strong person too loose their sense and eitch in their minds for years to come. We had helplessly witnessed the tragic moments of people jumping out of the 7th and 8th floor of the building to their deaths. It was very unfortunate that we could do very little to help them, some people in our office wrote a banner to advise them to break glasses and not to jump and that was the little bit of humanity that we could show at that moment.


Soon by 5pm the building was gathered with people, onlookers, police and such massive gathering that even disrupted the traffic and also the movement of the ambulence and the fire tenders. Still there were people who left to homes from neiboring offices as though nothing happened, and some were watching in front of the building from start to end as though some drama was unfolding and there were people who were ready to help in ways they could. Witnessing the loss of lives in front of eyes is very disturbing and will be etching in our minds for the life time.

It reminds me of the Dr Manmohan Singh's recent comment 'Our cities infrastructure and basic ammenities doesn't reflect our steady economic progress'

1. Had been High rise hydralic ladders arrived at the building immediately could have saved those precious life, or atleast the fire tenders could have trapping nets or atleast announcement about the recue operation could have help...yes nothing happened unfortunately. Ill equiped Fire department has to look at it seriously at least now.
2. I learnt from media that people trapped inside were busy “tweeting” their experiences, rather than get themselves out of the location or help others in need.
3. Many died by jumping from the 7th floor. A bit presence of mind could have saved their lives. Also people and some policemen were trying to catch the people falling from 7th floor with a bedsheet, can anyone think of this idea?
4. There were around 200 people busy clicking photos on their mobile and blocking the way for crucial help
5. TV Reporters arrived the sport much earlier to the Fire tenders and were barging inside the building, even before the fire personnel could clear the way and declare it safe to enter.
6. Seems people rushed in and looted cash and other equipments from offices located in the building
7. The restuarant located in the Ground Floor, though not even related to the fire, was ransacked and glasses were broken.
8. Even after two days , there were 3 OB Vans in front of the towers, might be waiting to get some sensational news from people who will come to work today.
9. One twitter has tweeted to all his fans allowing them to use his picture hanging out in the tower !!!
10. Last but not the least, Please do pay attention to the fire drills happening at your offices, it doesnt mean you are safe, but helps you know the basic information like fire exits location etc.

The tragedy put nine people have died and 59 are reported injured in a fire. As Bangalore tires to cope with the tragedy that took place in the Domlur area near the Old Airport Road, evidence points to serious lapses on behalf of the city's firefighters.