Thane: One person was killed after a major fire broke out in a slum at Bhayandar in Maharashtra's Thane district neighbouring Mumbai on Wednesday morning, destroying several huts and shops, officials said.
Two children were injured in the blaze, they said, adding that three fire personnel also received minor injuries.
The incident took place at around 5 am in the Azad Nagar slum, Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) Commissioner Sanjay Katkar said, adding that many commercial establishments are located in the locality.
Around 30 huts were destroyed and some commercial establishments were also charred in the blaze, he said. The occupants of huts and other residents of the locality ran out of their homes after the blaze erupted, said Katkar who was overseeing the rescue and relief work at the site.
Some explosions were heard in the locality, according to sources.
Thick smoke emanating after the blaze could be seen from a long distance. A charred body was found at the site and sent for post-mortem to a government hospital, MBMC's disaster management cell chief Narendra Chavan told PTI. Katkar said they have received information that two children have been injured and admitted to hospital.
MBMC's chief fire officer Prakash Borade told PTI that three fire personnel received minor injuries.
As many as 24 fire engines from MBMC and other neighbouring civic bodies were rushed to the spot, Katkar said.
The blaze has been brought under control and cooling operations are underway, he said.
A probe was on to ascertain the cause of the fire, Borade said.
Published 28 February 2024, 03:24 IST