1 dead in major fire in slum near Mumbai; 24 fire tenders deployed

The fire broke out in the densely populated slum area of Bhayandar East in the Thane district near Mumbai.

One person died and some were injured in a major fire that erupted in the densely populated slum area in Maharashtra's Thane district neighbouring Mumbai in the early hours of Wednesday. The fire broke out at around 4.30am in the Azad Nagar area of Bhayandat East and quickly spread through the narrow alleys, engulfing several huts and shops.

A major fire broke out in Azad Nagar in Bhayander East. (Azim Tamboli)

Deputy Commissioner of Police Prakash Gaikwad said the fire started from the waste that was dumped nearby.

“One person has died, 2 Mahanagar Palika Fire Brigade personnel and other 2-3 people have suffered injuries,” he told ANI.

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.