Mumbai: A massive fire broke out at the Khadakpada Furniture Market in Raheja Building of Goregaon East on Saturday. The fire, reported at 11:19 am by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation’s Mumbai Fire Brigade (MFB), engulfed a large ground-floored structure spanning approximately 2,000 square metres.

The Level-III fire spread rapidly, consuming 5-6 units (galas) filled with highly flammable materials such as wooden furniture, plastic, thermocol and plywood. Visuals of the fire have surfaced on the internet showing terrifying visuals of the inferno.

Details On The Fire Incident

The fire was initially categorised as a Level-I incident at 11:18 am but quickly escalated to Level-II by 11:24 am and further to Level-III at 11:48 am due to its intensity. Flames and thick smoke engulfed the area, prompting a large-scale firefighting operation. Teams on-site deployed advanced equipment, including high-pressure water lines and hose lines, to control the blaze. Fire engines, water tankers and even a firefighting robot were pressed into service to tackle the inferno.

As of the latest updates, no injuries or casualties have been reported, though the fire has caused extensive damage to the furniture market. The intense heat and flammable materials in the affected galas posed major challenges for the firefighters, who worked tirelessly to contain the spread and prevent further damage. Nearby areas were secured and authorities have urged residents to avoid the vicinity while operations continue.

Fire At Mahakumbh Mela Earlier Today

Meanwhile, a fire broke out early Saturday morning in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, engulfing two parked vehicles near the main road leading to the Maha Kumbh Mela.

A Maruti Suzuki Ertiga was charred completely due to the blaze, while a Hyundai Venue car was burned partially. The exact cause of fire is yet to be determined, however, the authorities alleged that the blaze erupted due to excessive heat.

Sydney, Jan 25: Homes have been destroyed and thousands of people said it is too late to evacuate as large out of control bushfires burn in Western Australia (WA).

Authorities in WA on Saturday morning warned residents of towns near two bushfires burning in the state’s southwest that it is too late to leave due to fire impacting evacuation routes.

One of the fires near the town of Arthur River, 190 km southwest of Perth, burned through over 11,000 hectares of land on Friday amid hot and windy conditions. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) reported on Saturday that two houses had been destroyed by the fire, with fears for more.

Residents of Arthur River and surrounding towns have been told it is too late to leave and to seek shelter at home.

“Leaving now will put your life in danger,” the emergency warning from the Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) said. “You must shelter before the fire arrives, as the extreme heat will kill you before the flames reach you.”

A lower-level warning for the wider region advised residents to prepare to evacuate. A separate fire near Bremer Bay, a popular tourist destination on the state’s south coast, also prompted a warning that it is too late to leave.

“Do not try to leave or enter this area in a vehicle or on foot. If you cannot shelter in a solid structure, you need to stay in an open space, away from vegetation, such as the beach,” the DFES said.

Warnings have been downgraded for a 40,000-hectare bushfire burning in WA’s sparsely-populated central region, over 300 km east of Perth, with people in the area advised to monitor conditions.

WA has been affected by a severe heatwave for several days, with temperatures across the state exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.

New Delhi, Jan 24: At least eight people were killed and seven others injured in a massive blast at an ordnance factory in Maharashtra’s Bhandara district on Friday.

The blast occurred around 10.30 a.m. at the factory in the district, said District Collector Sanjay Kolte. Rescue and medical staff were searching for survivors while firefighters were engaged in containing the situation.

Confirming the deaths in the incident, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said, “Preliminary reports say that eight people had been killed and seven others were injured in the blast.” He said this while addressing a press Conference organised by the Association for Industrial Development in Nagpur. Halting the media event, the Minister paid condolences and offered a minute silence in respect.

“There has been an accident of blast at Ordnance factory Bhandara today morning. The rescue & medical teams are deployed for survivors and rescue is underway,” authorities have said in a statement.

District Collector Kolte said a roof collapsed and at least 12 people were under it during the explosion.

Five of them were rescued and an excavator was being used to remove the debris.

The blast was of such an intensity that it was heard from 5 km away. A thick smoke was seen rising from the factory in a video captured from a distance.

The cause of the explosion is not yet known. An investigation is underway

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis wrote on X in Marathi, “There are reports that 13 to 14 workers were trapped after the roof collapsed in an ordnance factory explosion in Bhandara district. Five of them have been safely evacuated. The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are at the scene and all kinds of assistance are being provided. SDRF and Nagpur Municipal Corporation teams have also been called for rescue operations and they will arrive soon. The district administration is involved in rescue operations in coordination with the defence forces. Teams have also been kept ready for medical assistance.”