Mumbai: Fire Horror in Azad Nagar: Bhayandar Slum Devastated, Dozens of Homes and Godowns Gutted
Bhayander, 28th February 2024: A massive fire broke out in a slum settlement near the Golden Nest circle in Bhayandar (east), rendering hundreds of people homeless during the early morning hours on Wednesday. The fire was reported around 5:30 am in Azad Nagar, a densely populated slum area containing scrap godowns with hazardous materials.
Mira Bhayandar Municipal Corporation (MBMC) Chief Sanjay Katkar and fire officials from neighbouring cities coordinated efforts to combat the fire. Fourteen fire tenders from Mumbai, Thane, and Vasai-Virar joined MBMC’s ten fire tenders, along with 12 water tankers. Unfortunately, one person, identified as Deepak Chourasia alias Pappu (42), lost his life due to fatal burn injuries. Five individuals, including two children, and three fire personnel were injured during firefighting and rescue operations.
The fire resulted in a significant loss of property, with nearly 50 huts, dozens of scrap godowns, and other commercial establishments gutted in the flames. It took over four hours for 134 firefighters to extinguish the fire. While the exact cause is yet to be determined, the fire is believed to have originated from a scrap godown, possibly due to a short circuit, and quickly spread through the locality. Suspected gas cylinder blasts were heard during the incident.
Firefighters suspect the explosion of four gas cylinders, but they safely removed eight more cylinders and seven air compressors used for industrial purposes. Local legislator Pratap Sarnaik and volunteers provided food and relief materials to those rendered homeless. The incident highlights the need for implementing safety regulations, especially in densely populated slum areas. No casualties were reported, but the property damage was significant. Visuals showed massive flames and thick black smoke engulfing the slum area, with residents attempting to control the blaze.
