Major fire breaks out at residential colony in India's Mumbai

A major fire broke out at a residential colony near India's financial capital Mumbai Wednesday, officials said.

The blaze started at Gaytri Nagar in Bhiwandi, some 30 km from Mumbai.

"Fortunately, there have been no casualties in the incident and the colony has been evacuated by firefighters. But 15 scrap godowns and six shanties have been gutted," a police official said.

Some five fire tenders have been pressed into service to douse the flames. "Firefighters are trying to contain the fire," a fire official said.

Preliminary probe has suggested that an electrical short-circuit could be the reason behind the fire, he said. "However, a probe has been ordered into the incident," the official added.

Fires are common in colonies and highrises in India, mainly because of lack of regards for safety norms and fire-fighting equipment like hosepipes and alarm systems.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)