Bombay’s civic chief Ajoy Mehta has initiated a departmental probe into the accident at Bhau Daji Lad (BDL) Museum after which dentist Dr Arnavaz Havewala allegedly lost her life, noted the Hindustan Times of May 11, 2019.
After the hydraulic lift on the first floor of the building fell to the ground floor, Havewala and her daughter Hera suffered multiple injuries. The former additionally suffered a pelvic fracture, stated The Hindu (TH) of May 14. Both were admitted to the intensive care unit of Masina Hospital. Hera was discharged after a few days. Arnavaz suffered a cardiac arrest on May 9 after being shifted to the wards.
The TH report noted that the lift did not have a certificate from the Public Works Department (PWD) as it was "just a levitator.” The Museum’s management reportedly told TH that an external contractor Expert Equipment had installed the lift, and were required to conduct annual maintenance and a quarterly inspection. The December 2018 report stated that the "lift was in working condition,” noted TH. The April 2019 inspection was not carried out.
Top: Bhau Daji Lad Museum, where lift fell; above: Dr Arnavaz Havewala
Photo: Jasmine D. Driver
Tasneem Mehta, the museum’s honorary director and managing trustee was quoted in TH as stating, "The levitator’s manufacturer said in its report that the occupants did not close the door properly, pressed a bunch of buttons and the emergency brakes failed. After they got stuck, our staff pressed the button from downstairs and it (the lift) came down. They then took her to the hospital. Instead of blaming the Museum, it reflects on the care of Masina. She was out of our charge.”
Medical director of the Hospital Vispi Jokhi stated that her condition had improved but deteriorated later (The Times of India, May 10).
Mehta further stated that "the April inspection was delayed. We were pursuing the contractor. The police have also said that it was the vendor’s fault.” On the missing PWD certificate, she said, "That we will have to check with the architect.”
Abhinash Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone III), told TH that an FIR was registered "for causing injury and endangering life due to negligence under the Indian Penal Code.” The report did not mention who the FIR was filed against.
On May 12, the MumbaiMirror stated that the contract to maintain the elevator had expired on March 31 and the Museum did not renew it.
Havewala’s relatives have donated her cornea and skin, noted TH of May 13.