15 vehicles gutted in fire at Kunal Market parking in Chinchwad; one person suffers minor burns

A fire broke out in the parking area of Kunal Market, near Chapekar Chowk in Chinchwad, Pimpri Chinchwad, early on Thursday. Twelve two-wheelers, two four-wheelers and a bicycle were gutted, taking the total number of vehicles damaged to 15. One person suffered minor burns.

The fire started at around 2.10 am in the parking space of a four-storey building, which falls under the jurisdiction of Chinchwad police station. The injured person was taken to Talera Hospital for treatment.

Four fire engines reached the spot as soon as the fire department was informed. Firefighters, with the help of the police, put out the blaze completely. All the burnt vehicles had been parked inside the building's parking area.

On the cause of the fire, the police said it may have been a short circuit, but added that this is only a preliminary assessment. The exact cause has not yet been determined.

Several senior officers visited the spot, among them Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) Vikrant Deshmukh, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Economic Offences Wing) and the senior police inspector of Nigdi. Assistant Sub-Inspector Dhavan, the night-duty officer at Chinchwad police station, was also present with his team. Staff of the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (Mahavitaran) were at the scene as well.

A crowd of onlookers had gathered near the market while the fire was raging. After it was put out, the police asked people to leave. The area is now calm and the situation is under control.

The police said further legal action is under way. The information was provided by the senior police inspector of Chinchwad police station.