The National Security Guard (NSG) had actually warned Mumbai’s firemen against attempting potentially dangerous rescue operations because they had no protective gear.

Yet, the first batch of seven firemen set out to climb up to the top floor and rescue hostages who were banging against the windows. A total of 600 people were rescued from the Taj within the first 24 hours of the terror attack.

While the hotel staff point out that the fire department was tardy in sending fire engines to the heritage hotel, senior firemen said their engines reached the spot as soon as they received a call.

“We got a call at 1 am stating that there was a fire at Taj. There was no delay in reaching the hotel,” said Chief Fire Officer Anil Sawant.

After reaching the location, he said, the fire department took the call to start the rescue operation on its own. The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation which is to be informed before undertaking such an operation was not told. “There were people banging on the windows. We couldn’t just stand looking at them. We decided to start the rescue operation immediately, instead of wasting crucial time in taking permissions,” Sawant said.

“Since there was no protective gear or any cover-up with the firemen, the NSG told us not to take any risk,” he said. But the risk did pay off, with no casualties to their men and maximum rescue of hostages from both Oberoi and Taj hotels. A total of 750 people were brought out by the fire department while terrorists continued firing and hurling grenades. Snorkels, hanging ladders and aerial ladders with a cage were rushed to the Taj.

... contd.