Tuesday, February 23, 2010

The fire @ Carlton Towers in Bangalore : A tragic tale of un-preparedness

I watched with a feeling of shock, horror and plain helplessness the tragic set of events unfolding on the television. For someone who has gone through a similar evacuation exercise a few years ago, it was painful to see that there has been NO improvement / NO LESSONS learned whatsoever !

It was pitiful to see people jumping out of the 7 floor structure with the fond hope of hitting a small square held by groups that was to act a safety net !

Where are the high rise fire tenders ?
Where are the jet pumps for targeted fire fighting ?
Where are smoke masks with torches that would allow people to enter and rescue ?
Where are the external breathing apparatus that is so crucial in providing oxygen ?
Where is the fire lane that would allow easy entry and access ?

Unfortunately, there probably will be no answers today, this week or next and in a month maybe this city will forget and move on ?

For once, can we, the citizens of the city please get together to correct this apathy ?

Am signing off - a very disturbed individual..........