Mumbai: A 12-year-old boy was killed in a massive fire that broke out at Kurar village in Malad. The deceased has been identified as Prem Tukaram Bore.
According to reports, the fire broke out at 11.15am near Wagheshwari mandir at Jamrushi Nagar in Kurar village, burning around 100 hutments down to ashes. A total of eight fire engines, four jumbo tankers, ambulances and a team of senior fire-brigade officers were pressed into service to tackle the situation.
Fire department is still investigating the cause of the blaze
According to chief fire officer Sanjay Manjrekar, the huts were made of tarpaulin, bamboo and other soft flammable materials, causing the blaze to spread rapidly. “The fire also caused 2-3 LPG gas cylinders to explode, resulting in it increasing further,” he said, adding that the fire engines were stuck in traffic, causing some delay. The fire was extinguished at 2.25pm.
According to Manjrekar, seven people including two fire brigade jawans sustained minor injuries. “They were given first aid in the ambulances and immediately released.” The fire department is still investigating the cause of the blaze.
According to BJP corporator Vinod Mishra, the standard of living in the area is very bad. “People avoid going to the area, especially during monsoons. There are even snake bite incidents reported from the area,” he said. Mishra added that the prompt response from the fire department saved lives and prevented further property damage.
Mishra further stated that the boy was killed due to a cylinder explosion.
