Teen killed in firecracker shop blaze in Mumbai’s Malvani
Mumbai: A 16-year-old boy died after a fire broke out at a firecracker shop in Mumbai’s Malvani area late Monday night, triggering an explosion that led to the collapse of the shop’s slab, officials said.
The incident took place at around 9.56 p.m. on November 9 at a ground-floor shop near Gate No. 8 on Abdul Hamid Marg in Malad West. Six fire brigade vehicles were rushed to the spot after information about the blaze was received, and firefighting operations were launched.
According to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s (BMC) Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), the fire was confined to firecrackers, electrical wiring and electrical installations inside the shop, which measured approximately 20 feet by 30 feet.
The situation worsened following an explosion of firecrackers, which caused the slab of the shop to collapse.
During the incident, a 16-year-old boy, who had initially been reported missing, was subsequently found dead inside the shop. His body was severely charred due to the fire.
The deceased was identified as Shanwaz Niyaz Khan, aged 16. He was taken to BMC’s Shatabdi Hospital in an ambulance. According to information received from the concerned Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of BDBA Hospital, Kandivali, he had suffered 100 per cent burns and was declared brought dead.
The fire was successfully extinguished at 10.36 p.m. on November 9, according to the fire brigade’s incident update issued at 1.22 a.m. on Tuesday.
Teams from the Mumbai Fire Brigade, police, the concerned electricity distribution company, 108 ambulance services and BMC ward staff were mobilised to manage the situation and carry out the necessary operations.
The incident comes amid heightened concerns over fire safety during the festive season, particularly in areas where firecrackers are stored and sold.
Earlier, fire services in Pune and Mumbai were stretched during Diwali celebrations, with both cities reporting a large number of fire incidents.
Pune recorded 94 fire incidents during Laxmipujan, while Mumbai reported 142 blazes during Diwali, of which 137 were attributed to firecrackers, according to figures released by the respective fire departments.
In Pune, fires were reported from several locations, including Satara Road, Mangalwar Peth and Range Hills. A major fire broke out at a printing shop on Satara Road, while a godown caught fire in Mangalwar Peth. Another fire was reported in a residential flat in Range Hills, prompting a response from fire brigade teams and police personnel.
Meanwhile, Mumbai’s 142 fire incidents were reported from different parts of the city during Diwali. Despite the large number of fire-related emergency calls, no injuries were reported in those incidents, according to the Mumbai Fire Brigade.