Update on the Kandivali fire:


At least one person has died in the massive fire that broke out in a slum in Kandivali in suburban Mumbai today, triggering a series of gas cylinder explosions. The blaze was first reported around 12:25 pm, while the fire brigade received a call at about 12.33 pm.


At least 16 fire engines and 12 water tankers were rushed to the site in the Damu Nagar area of Kandivali (East). Reports said that the gas cylinders were kept in a godown and exploded when they caught fire. a senior fire official said.


Rediff.com's Rajesh Alva, an eyewitness to the incident says plumes of black smoke rose from the densely populated slum which has at least 300 shanties. The slum is reportedly located in a congested area, making it difficult for fire tenders to reach the site. Alva reported that he heard at least 20 loud blasts over an hour.


Deputy Chief Fire Official P S Rahangdale said that five fire brigade officials along with jawans have been rushed to the spot to douse the flames.


The deceased person was charred beyond recognition and has not been identified yet but the injured have been admitted to nearby Shatabdi hospital, DCP Dhananjay Kulkarni said.


Although the exact cause of fire is not known, local residents claim that the blaze occurred due to a series of cylinder explosions in the hutments.

Meanwhile, police has cordoned off the area and were trying to verify the claims of the locals.


Photograph: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com