Although there is much speculation about what could have caused the fire at Girgaum Chowpatty, several factors that led to its spread have emerged. These include the wooden stage, nylon curtains, thermocol as well as the ornamental fireworks (anar — fountain) used as part of the performances. An 800-litre diesel tank of one of the cranes used for the lights also exploded but fortunately that of another did not. Other factors such as generator vans, diesel-run vanity vans, could have made matters worse, but for the presence of mind of the onlookers and authorities, who moved them.

A man looks at one of the two cranes that were burnt. The 800-litre diesel tank of one exploded. Pic/Pradeep Dhivar