Night that turned Thane market into ashes: Two dead, 155 shops gutted in massive fire at Gaondevi vegetable market

Firefighters at the site during the operation. PICS/ANUSHREE GAIKWAD

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.

Two killed, two injured

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.

Financial aid to kin

Charred material removed from the site

Following instructions from Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, a joint review meeting of TMC officials - including Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar, MP Naresh Mhaske, and Commissioner Saurabh Rao - was held on Thursday. The administration has announced an immediate financial assistance of R10 lakh each to the families of the deceased and R1 lakh each to the injured. TMC has also decided to provide compassionate employment to the families of the deceased, as per government norms.

Many suffer losses

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.'