One killed in Mumbai slum fire

One person was killed and three others, including a woman, were injured when a major fire broke out today at a slum in suburban Kandivili here.

According to fire brigade officials, the incident took place between 12.15 PM to 12.45 PM at Damu Nagar slums near Mahindra and Mahindra company's gate number 5 at Akurli Road in Kandivali East. The place is said to house a godown of various items.

Deputy Chief Fire Official P S Rahangdale said that at least 16 fire engines, 12 water tankers, five fire brigade officials along with jawans have been rushed to the spot to douse the flames.

The deceased person was charred beyond recognition and has not been identified yet but the injured have been admitted to nearby Shatabdi hospital, DCP Dhananjay Kulkarni said.

Although the exact cause of fire is not known, local residents claim that the blaze occurred due to a series of cylinder explosions in the hutments.

Meanwhile, police has cordoned off the area and were trying to verify the claims of the locals.