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A major fire broke out around 3.30 am on Thursday at the Gaondevi Vegetable Market in Naupada, Thane West, claiming the lives of two people and causing extensive damage to shops in the two-storey market structure.

According to an official from Naupada police station, the fire was first reported at 3.43 am.

The police and civic officials are investigating the cause of the blaze, while restoration and relief measures are being coordinated on a priority basis.

One firefighter killed, two injured in dousing operation

Sujit Pashte and Sameer Jadhav (right) receiving treatment in hospital

The deceased have been identified as Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) security guard Kalu Shankar Gadekar, 55, and fire station officer Sagar Suryakant Shinde, 42. Two others from the fire department — Sujit Pashte, 45, and Sameer Jadhav, 40 — sustained injuries and are currently undergoing treatment.

One of Phaste’s cousins said the family has not yet informed the injured men about Shinde’s death.

“The news was very shocking and this happened very early in the morning. So far, we haven’t informed the injured officers about Sagar Shinde, as it may give them a mental shock. They are not in a condition to handle such news,” Phaste’s relative said. 

Meanwhile, a relative of Jadhav said, “Sameer is recovering and the family will speak to the media once he fully recovers.”

Govt announces compensation, rehabilitation

Charred material removed from the site

Following the incident, a joint meeting was convened under the direction of Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The meeting was attended by Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar, Member of Parliament (MP) Naresh Mhaske, and Municipal Commissioner Saurabh Rao.

It was unanimously decided to provide an immediate financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh each to the families of the deceased, while Phaste and Jadhav will receive Rs 1 lakh each as aid.

Authorities also announced that family members of the deceased would be given jobs in the municipal corporation on compassionate grounds as per government norms.

The administration further assured that all the 155 affected shopkeepers would be rehabilitated at the same location by June 1.

The human cost behind 155 burnt shops

The TMC plans to rehabilitate affected shopkeepers at the same location by June 1

Officials confirmed that around 155 affected shopkeepers will be rehabilitated at the same location, with restoration work targeted for completion by June 1. However, the fire has left hundreds of traders devastated, many of whom suffered severe financial losses.

Cop Speak

A police officer
‘The fire brigade was immediately rushed to the spot. Initially, only two shops, one clothing and one footwear, had caught fire, but it later escalated into a massive blaze. No FIR has been registered so far, and an accidental report has been filed. The investigation is underway.’

Voices

Ravi Ram, 65, garment seller from Dombivli
‘I lost nearly my entire stock in the blaze. I used to sell jeans in Gala No 11. Around 3.30 am, we got the news and rushed here. Everything was burning. Nearly 1000-1200 pairs of jeans were destroyed. I have lost around Rs 4 lakh-Rs 5 lakh worth of goods. My family of four depended on this business.’

Pradeep Garat, 60, flower seller
‘I have been doing this business for 40 years and have suffered a loss of around Rs 20,000. We depend entirely on my business. TMC says it will restore everything by June 1, but I think it may take at least two months.’

Ravendra Shantaram, 54, western wear store owner
‘I have been at shop No. 7 for over 30 years. My losses could run to the tune of Rs 25 lakh. This is a black day for us. We have lost our daily bread. We expect full compensation and our shops back.’