A major fire that broke out in a Mumbai slum near the Bandra Railway station leading to the destruction of more than 1000 huts in Gareeb Nagar and Behram Pada areas.
THE FIRE also claimed a major part of the Skywalk as well as foot overbridge leading to the east side of the Bandra Railway station.
No casualties have been reported in the incident, however, there were incidents of stone pelting as angry slum dwellers turned violent.Authorities said that it took more than 30 fire engines and 10 water tankers to control the blaze as it spread to a huge area. Fire authorities did not reveal the cause of the fire but it was stated that fire began in Navapada area in Gareeb Nagar slums around 8.30 pm.The fire spread quickly but it assumed alarming proportion as ten gas cylinders exploded after cacthing fire. Officials said that the presence of garment manufacturing units inside the slums and the construction of huts with wood was the primary cause that it spread very dangerously.Fire officials said that they found it very hard to control the fire as the slums were quite inaccessible and it was difficult to reach the interiors. The narrow lanes also ensured that it was almost impossible for the fire engines to go inside the slum area.Meanwhile, angry residents of the area alleged that fire tenders reached late and this lead to the fire causing all the damage. Fires in slums is a regular occurance in India. Often, we hear such incidents in Delhi, Kolkata and cities in Uttar Pradesh. Over-development, absolutely no fire safety precautions, and rehabilitation of slums in alternate areas within the city are the major reasons why such incidents occur.
