Thane fire: 2 killed; Maha govt announces Rs 10 lakh compensation

Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the families of two victims killed in a fire at Thane's Gaondevi Market. A separate fire gutted eight shops and caused cylinder explosions in Hardoi.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the victims of the Gaondevi Market area, where two people were killed. He also condoled the loss of lives due to the fire incident.

After inspecting the fire that broke out in the Gaondevi market area, Shinde told reporters here, "This is a very old market. Two people died in the incident here. I offer my condolences to both of them. We will provide Rs 10 lakh in aid to each family through the Municipal Corporation. A decision has been made to provide Rs 1 lakh in aid to the injured."

Earlier on Thursday, a fire broke out in several shops at the Gaondevi Market near the Thane district station complex. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and efforts were made to douse the flames.

Fire in Hardoi market

Meanwhile, at least eight shops were gutted in a fire which broke out in the Naveen fruits and vegetables market in Hardoi late Thursday night. Fire Officer Shivram Yadav said that at least two cylinders had exploded in front of him, and he suspected there had been prior explosions as well. The fire department safely removed at least four cylinders from the area.

The official said that over half a dozen shops had been damaged by the fire and added that a total of three fire tenders were used to control the blaze.

"Information about a fire near Naveen Sabji Mandi was received. Initially, two fire engines were dispatched, but seeing the intensity of the fire, we called for one more, making it three in total. More than half a dozen shops were affected. We managed to safely remove four LPG cylinders, but two others exploded right in front of me. Our firefighters showed great courage and presence of mind to extinguish the fire, preventing potentially massive loss of life and property," he said earlier (ANI)

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