Massive fire breaks out in slum near Mumbai, 24 fire tenders deployed

A major fire erupted in the densely populated slum area of Bhayandar East in Maharashtra’s Thane district neighbouring Mumbai in the early hours of Wednesday.

Initial reports indicate that the fire first broke out in a godown in the Azad Nagar area of Bhayandat East and quickly spread through the narrow alleys, engulfing several huts and shops.

Some persons were feared injured in the blaze, reported PTI quoting officials.

A total of 24 fire tenders have been deployed to combat the flames raging through the slum, according to Mira Road Fire Brigade.

“The Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation is trying its all to control the fire. Total 24 fire brigade teams are at the spot. I hope the fire will be brought under control in the next one hour,” said Mira-Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) Commissioner Sanjay Katkar who was overseeing the rescue and relief work at the site.

The occupants of huts and other residents of the locality ran out of their homes after the blaze erupted, said Katkar.

Many commercial establishments are located in the slum colony, he added.

The cause of the fire in Azad Nagar remains unknown at this time.

On Monday, a 19-year-old woman suffered from suffocation due to smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in a two-storey commercial centre situated in Santacruz suburb of Mumbai on Monday evening. As many as 37 people were rescued from the commercial centre, located near the busy Milan subway.

The woman, who suffered from suffocation due to smoke inhalation, was rushed to nearby Cooper Hospital. However, she took discharge from the hospital against medical advice.