Daijiworld Media Network - Thane

Thane, Nov 9: A major fire broke out at a 17-storey residential building in Wagle Estate, Thane, on Sunday night, spreading from the ninth floor to the 17th floor and triggering a massive rescue operation. More than 50 residents and pets were safely evacuated, while no fatalities were reported.

The fire broke out at around 8.30 pm at the 'Carline' building in the Raheja Gardens complex. The blaze spread rapidly through the upper floors, putting residents at risk and prompting the deployment of 10 to 15 fire engines from Thane and Mumbai.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reached the spot after the fire brigade teams began their operation. With electricity supply to the entire area cut off as a safety measure, Shinde entered the building's parking area carrying a large battery-powered torch and interacted with fire personnel to obtain details about the blaze and rescue efforts.

During the interaction, firefighters informed him that a person was stranded on an upper floor. Shinde enquired about the person's age and was told that the young man was being brought down in a wheelchair. He also sought information about the smoke inside the building and the deployment of rescue teams.

Firefighters battled the blaze for nearly six hours before bringing it under control. More than 50 residents and their pets were rescued during the operation. Some people sustained injuries, while the fire caused extensive damage to property. No deaths were reported.

Following the incident, Thane District Collector Shrikrishna Panchal announced restrictions on rockets and other aerial fireworks in the district. He also directed that firecrackers be burst only in open grounds.