Filmmaker Vivek Agnihotri narrowly avoided a serious incident during Diwali celebrations when a rogue firework rocket struck his balcony sofa, igniting it in flames. Fortunately, his dogs alerted the family in time, allowing them to extinguish the fire before it escalated. Agnihotri shared this alarming experience in a post on X, emphasizing the need for improved fire safety measures during the festival, a time when firecracker usage peaks in Mumbai.
In his post, Agnihotri highlighted the fire-resistant fabric of the sofa, which prevented a more severe outcome. He expressed concern over the increasing number of fire incidents reported in Mumbai during Diwali, urging local authorities to take action. His comments were prompted by a video from Mumbai Mayor Ritu Tawde, who had previously called on residents to celebrate safely and adhere to the Bombay High Court's guidelines regarding firecracker use.S2
Agnihotri's call for accountability reflects a broader issue in the city, where fire safety during festive seasons has become a pressing concern. The filmmaker's incident underscores the potential dangers associated with Diwali celebrations, particularly in densely populated urban areas. As the city grapples with fire safety, the need for stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns becomes increasingly evident.S1S2