FireIncident – Two Dead After Major Blaze Engulfs Thane Market Building
FireIncident – A tragic fire accident claimed the lives of two civic personnel and left two firefighters seriously injured after a massive blaze swept through a market complex in Maharashtra’s Thane city during the early hours of Thursday.
The incident occurred at the Gamdevi Vegetable Market building situated on Gokhale Road in the Naupada area. According to officials from the Thane Municipal Corporation, the fire started at approximately 3:45 a.m., when most residents in the surrounding locality were asleep. Due to the early morning timing, the flames spread rapidly before the situation could be noticed by people nearby.
Flames Spread Across Market Premises
Authorities said the market complex housed several vegetable vendors along with multiple clothing shops, allowing the fire to expand quickly through the structure. Thick smoke and large flames rising from the building soon caused panic among local residents once the blaze became visible.
People in the area immediately informed emergency services after realising the seriousness of the incident. Fire department teams were dispatched to the site within minutes to prevent the fire from spreading further into nearby buildings and commercial establishments.
Firefighters Faced Challenging Rescue Operation
Officials confirmed that six fire engines were deployed for the rescue and firefighting operation. Fire personnel entered the burning structure to contain the flames and rescue anyone trapped inside.
During the operation, two civic workers lost their lives while battling the blaze. The deceased were identified as 43-year-old Sagar Shinde and 53-year-old Kalu Shankar Gadekar.
Municipal authorities stated that Shinde was serving as a Station Officer with the Thane Fire Brigade, while Gadekar worked as a security guard attached to the municipal corporation. Both men were reportedly part of the emergency response efforts when the incident turned fatal.
Two Fire Officials Sustain Serious Burn Injuries
Apart from the fatalities, two additional fire department personnel suffered severe burn injuries during the operation. Officials identified the injured men as Fire Brigade Station Officer Sujit Pashte, aged 45, and Squad Leader Sameer Jadhav, aged 40.
Both injured officers were shifted to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital for treatment. Hospital authorities said they are undergoing medical care for serious burn wounds sustained while attempting to control the fire.
Emergency responders continued working at the location for several hours after sunrise to fully contain the blaze and cool down affected sections of the structure. Firefighters remained on alert to stop the flames from spreading to adjoining properties in the densely populated commercial area.
Cause of Fire Yet to Be Determined
Officials said an investigation has been initiated to determine the exact reason behind the fire. Preliminary information has not yet confirmed whether the blaze was caused by an electrical fault, combustible material, or any other technical issue inside the market premises.
Local authorities are expected to conduct a detailed inspection of the damaged building once the site becomes safe for entry. The extent of property damage is also being assessed by municipal officials.
The incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by emergency responders during large-scale urban fires, especially in crowded market areas where shops and storage units are located close to one another.
Residents in the area gathered near the market throughout the morning as firefighting teams continued containment efforts. Authorities have assured that safety inspections and further inquiries will continue in the coming days.