Eight persons were charred to death and three others seriously injured in a fire that broke out in three timber scrap godowns in the powerloom town of Bhiwandi near Thane, police and fire officials said.
The National Disaster Response Force, the Air Force and teams of other agencies have been pressed into service and they have so far rescued 214 stranded people. Over 6,200 people in the region have been shifted to safer places. Ten state highways and many roads have also been damaged.
Villages are flooded, roads have washed away and railway tracks have submerged under the rising waters.
A photograph of Kumar snapped while scurrying across the bridge with the child two days ago, has gone viral on the social media with people showering praise on him.
The intensity of the blast was so high that window panes in adjoining buildings were shattered and shocked people were seen running helter-skelter, an eyewitness said.
Shutters of at least 22 reservoirs in the state have been opened to drain out excess water.
The tragedy took place amid rain in the city around 10.40 am when the FOB was heavily crowded, a police official said.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances