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Accident – Death – Obituary News : MUMBAI: Tragedy struck the Azad Nagar slums in Bhayander (east) as a massive fire engulfed the densely populated area on Wednesday morning. The blaze claimed the life of one individual, identified as Deepak Chaurasia, and left three others with severe burn injuries. Among the injured was firefighter Shivaji Sawant, who bravely battled the flames to contain the inferno.
The fire, which is believed to have originated from a scrap godown, was first reported around 6 am. The cause of the fire remains unknown, although locals reported hearing explosions, possibly triggered by gas cylinder bursts. The intensity of the fire quickly spread through the narrow lanes of the slums, causing panic among residents.
In response to the emergency, over 24 fire tenders from the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC), BMC, Thane, and Vasai-Virar municipal corporations rushed to the scene. Civic officials worked tirelessly to bring the situation under control and prevent further devastation. The thick smoke billowing from the slums could be seen kilometers away, underscoring the magnitude of the disaster.
As the injured were swiftly transported to the civic hospital for treatment, it was revealed that two minors were among those harmed in the blaze. The fire ravaged over 50 godowns and commercial establishments that were situated on government land within the slums. Despite the extensive damage, fire brigade personnel managed to contain the flames and are currently engaged in cooling operations to ensure that no embers reignite.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of densely populated areas like the Azad Nagar slums, where commercial enterprises coexist with residential dwellings. The loss of life and property underscores the urgent need for improved safety measures and fire prevention strategies in such localities. The community is left reeling from the tragic event, with efforts underway to support those affected and rebuild what has been lost in the wake of the devastating fire..
