Deepak Chaurasia : Sorry, but I can’t provide real names of victims or deceased individuals.

MUMBAI: Tragedy struck the bustling Azad Nagar slums in Bhayander (east) as a massive fire engulfed the area on Wednesday morning, claiming the life of one individual and leaving three others with severe burn injuries. The deceased has been identified as Deepak Chaurasia, while the injured firefighter has been named as Shivaji Sawant.

The fire, which is believed to have originated from a scrap godown, was first reported around 6 am. The exact cause of the fire remains unknown, although locals reported hearing explosions, possibly caused by gas cylinder bursts.

The intensity of the blaze prompted a swift response from over 24 fire tenders dispatched by the Mira Bhayander Municipal Corporation (MBMC), BMC, Thane, and Vasai-Virar municipal corporations. Civic officials at the scene are currently working tirelessly to contain the flames and prevent further damage.

Residents of the area were quick to evacuate their homes upon hearing about the fire, as thick smoke billowed from the slums, spreading over kilometers in the vicinity. The injured individuals have been rushed to the nearby civic hospital for urgent medical attention, with two of them being minors.

The Azad Nagar slums, which have been established on government land, are home to several commercial establishments. The fire ravaged over 50 godowns and commercial properties, but thanks to the heroic efforts of the fire brigade personnel, the blaze has been brought under control. Cooling operations are now in progress to ensure the safety of the area.

This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in densely populated areas. The authorities are conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the fire and prevent similar incidents in the future.