Dear all,
FYI,
The Fire Service Week is observed nationwide in remembrance of the lives lost in the devastating fire and explosion that occurred on 14th April 1944 at the Victoria Dock of Bombay Port.
The objective of the event is to ensure that all precautions are taken to prevent fires, thereby protecting life and property. This is achieved by increasing awareness of fire safety and fostering action among employees, their families, and the public.
The National Safety Council, Karnataka Chapter, has been promoting the observance of Fire Service Week to assist in organizing the event effectively each year.
The Bombay Explosion (or Bombay Docks Explosion) took place on 14 April 1944, in the Victoria Dock of Bombay (now Mumbai). The SS Fort Stikine, carrying a mixed cargo that included cotton bales, gold, ammunition, and around 1,400 tons of explosives, caught fire and was destroyed in two massive blasts. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of around 800 lives and caused widespread destruction.
In the mid-afternoon, around 14:00, the crew discovered a fire onboard the ship. Despite efforts by the crew, dockside fire teams, and fireboats to extinguish the fire and locate its source, they were unsuccessful due to dense smoke. Eventually, the order to abandon ship was given, leading to a catastrophic explosion that split the ship in two and caused extensive damage in the surrounding area.
It took three days to bring the fire under control, and a team of 8,000 individuals worked for seven months to clear the debris and restore the docks to functioning order. The official death toll was reported as 740, with many more injured. Additionally, numerous vessels in Victoria Dock and Prince's Dock were either sunk or damaged.
Many families lost all their possessions in the disaster and were left with only the clothes on their backs. The government accepted full responsibility for the tragedy and provided monetary compensation to citizens who suffered losses.
During routine dredging operations to maintain the dock's depth, gold bars were occasionally discovered as late as 2011 and returned to the British government. The Mumbai Fire Brigade's headquarters at Byculla has a memorial dedicated to the memory of the firefighters who lost their lives.
Regards,
Hansa Vyas