Diwali fireworks spark fires across Mumbai and Thane, Level-2 blaze at Dongri

Firecrackers were burst with great enthusiasm across the state on the night of Laxmi Puja during Diwali. In the aftermath, several serious fires have been reported in Mumbai and the Thane area. A Level-2 fire broke out in garages and godowns in Dongri, while buildings and trees caught fire in Chembur and in Thane's Wagle Estate. The incidents spread considerable fear among residents. Fire brigade teams reached the spots immediately and began rescue work.

A major fire broke out on Saturday night in a garage near Haji Kasam Chawl on Dr Maheshwari Road in Dongri, Mumbai. The area has clothing shops, godowns and garages, so the fire spread very fast. The Mumbai Fire Brigade control room was informed of the fire at 9.57 pm.

Seeing the severity of the blaze, the fire brigade declared it a Level-2 fire at 10.10 pm. Mumbai Fire Brigade vehicles, police, BEST staff, 108 ambulances and ward staff have reached the spot. Efforts to douse the fire are continuing in full measure.

A fire linked to fireworks also occurred in Chembur. In the Maitri Park area, a tree in the compound of a building called Kritika Annex caught fire from sparks of firecrackers. The flames flared up quickly, creating fear among the building's residents. Thanks to the fire brigade's alertness, a major accident was averted.

As in Mumbai, a major fire also occurred in Thane. A fire broke out suddenly in Carlyle, a 17-storey building in Raheja Garden in the Wagle Estate area. On receiving information, the fire brigade and the disaster management team reached the spot and began rescue work. Attempts to put out the fire were made with fire brigade vehicles and a jumbo water tanker. The fire brigade immediately brought out people trapped in the building to safety. No one was killed and no one was injured in the incident.

Fire incidents in Mumbai have continued along with Diwali. A major fire has also broken out at Oberoi Sky Height, an under-construction building in the Lokhandwala Back Road area of Andheri West. It is said that labourers currently live in the building. A stampede broke out among the labourers as they tried to save their lives when the fire started.

Oshiwara police reached the spot as soon as they learnt of the fire. Labourers and police are together trying to douse the fire on a war footing. The fire brigade has also been informed. The exact cause of the fire is not yet clear.