Massive Fire Scorches Thane Building, Destroys 29 Electric Meters
Blaze in Thane residential building damages electrical infrastructure.
A fierce fire erupted in the early hours of Thursday, September 11, at the Vikas Co-operative Housing Society in Thane, Maharashtra, damaging 29 electricity meters in the building’s ground-floor meter box cabin. The blaze, reported at 4:10 a.m. behind Anand Talkies in Sainath Nagar, sent shockwaves through the four-storey residential complex, though fortunately, no injuries were reported, according to Thane’s disaster management cell chief, Yasin Tadvi.
The fire, which broke out in the densely populated urban hub, prompted a swift response from local authorities. Teams from the Thane police, disaster management cell, fire brigade, and Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company (Mahavitaran) rushed to the scene to contain the situation. Firefighters battled the flames for nearly an hour, successfully extinguishing the blaze by 5:00 a.m. However, the damage to the 29 electricity meters has raised concerns about potential power disruptions for residents of the 60-unit housing society.
Tadvi confirmed that the cause of the fire is under investigation, with preliminary assessments pointing to a possible electrical fault or short circuit in the meter box cabin. “We are working closely with Mahavitaran to determine the exact trigger,” he said, noting that the damaged meters could disrupt electricity supply to multiple households until repairs are completed. Mahavitaran officials are assessing the extent of the damage and working to restore power, with temporary measures in place to ensure resident safety.
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The incident has rattled residents of the Vikas Co-operative Housing Society, many of whom were awakened by the sound of sirens and the smell of smoke. “It was terrifying to see flames so close to our homes,” said Priya Deshmukh, a second-floor resident. “Thankfully, the fire brigade acted quickly, but we’re worried about when power will be fully restored.” Local authorities have assured residents that Mahavitaran is prioritizing repairs and that counseling support will be available for those affected by the ordeal.
The fire underscores the growing concern over electrical safety in Thane’s aging residential buildings, where outdated wiring and overloaded systems are common issues. Civic officials have pledged to conduct a thorough inspection of the building’s electrical infrastructure to prevent future incidents. The event also highlights the need for regular maintenance and fire safety audits in densely populated urban areas, where such incidents can have widespread consequences.
As the investigation continues, residents are bracing for potential disruptions while expressing gratitude for the rapid response that prevented a larger tragedy. Thane’s municipal authorities have vowed to work with Mahavitaran to expedite repairs and ensure the safety of the community in this bustling city near Mumbai.
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