THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
Terming the fire incident as very unfortunate, Managing Director of Berger Becker Coatings Pvt Ltd, Rajesh Mehrotra said the first priority of the company was to evacuate the 94 people who were working on the site.
Mehrotra also said that the company has plants across the world and maintained all the standards on the site.
“As soon as the fire alarm went out after lunch close to 2.30 pm, we immediately brought the employees out and did a head count. Meanwhile, the firefighting team was fighting the small fire which soon intensified. It was then that we contacted the fire station and other government agencies,” Mehrotra informed.
The Berger Becker Coatings Pvt Ltd is a joint venture company which started its unit at the Pilerne Industrial Estate in 2004. The company manufactures polyester-based paint which is used to coat sheets that are used on the top and side of buildings.
The MD informed that part of the building that went up in flames was a warehouse that stored raw materials while the manufacturing unit of the factory was untouched.
“The area where the raw material is stored is actually a safe area and we have all the fire extinguishers in place. It was rather unfortunate that the fire incident happened. But we are very fortunate that each one of us is safe and our neighbours are also safe,” he said.
He said prima facie it appears that the fire started due to a short circuit although it was yet to ascertain the exact cause of the fire.
Mehrotra had a word of praise to all the government authorities who have been very cooperative and prompt in attending to the emergency.
“I want to thank the entire government machinery which has been of great help and even the neighbours…All have come and sent whatever was possible. It’s a great feeling. I have been in this business for 34 years. It’s hostile. The incident was very unfortunate,” he said.
“The Collector and the IDC Chairman and Curtorim MLA Aleixo Reginald Lourenco have been of great help and moral support,” he added.
Collector cautions public to wear masks, not panic
MAPUSA:
Cautioning people to wear masks and not to panic, North Goa Collector Mamu Hage late Tuesday evening said although the fire was still continuing in certain pockets, it has been controlled to an extent, but there is no danger at this point.
Hage also said that she has sought reports from the health department to find out if there were any gases that may have been released into the air.
“We want all the people to wear masks and not to panic. Right now, we are trying to assess what kind of chemicals or solvents were used in the factory. The health officials have been alerted. We have asked authorities at the district hospital and neighbouring primary health centres to remain on alert and to keep the oxygen supply in readiness. But more importantly, we want people to remain calm,” Hage said.
She said all resources available have been mobilised to bring the fire under control.
“The Indian navy has sent two foam fire tenders. The local fire station tenders have been on the job round the clock from the beginning. We have also reached out to the army just in case,” she said.
According to the Collector, all the neighbouring units within a radius of 200 metres of the fire site have been asked to evacuate.
Situation under control: IDC chief
PANAJI:
IDC Chairman Aleixo Reginaldo Lourenco said the situation is under control but urged people to wear masks as huge swathes of smoke plumed the sky for several hours.
"We were briefed by the officials concerned that fire was reported in the manufacturing and administrative units. The manufacturing unit had over 500 tonnes of paint stock, all of which went up in flames," said Lourenco, while speaking to The Goan.
Around 50-60 fire tenders and private water tankers were used to douse flames. As the situation was getting tough, the Indian Navy's fire tenders were called in, with the defence force assisting the firefighters.
"Our personnel did their best to ensure the fire does not spill in the neighbouring villages. Two fire tenders were kept on standby. We had everything in place to ensure there is no human and animal casualties," he said adding, "Soon after fire broke out, we immediately cut the electricity connection to other units as a result of which other units were saved. It is a case of a short circuit but more investigation will be done."
Around 40 bikes, 12 cars and a truck among other vehicles, parked in the parking area of the factory premises, were charred in the fire mishap. The exact figure of the overall loss is awaited.
