17 injured in blaze at Bandra slum

Mumbai: Seventeen people were injured in a major fire that broke out at the Shastri Nagar slums in Bandra (W), destroying 150 shanties early on Thursday. 

    Three people who sustained severe injuries are recuperating at Bhabha hospital. Fire brigade officials said the fire erupted at about 2.30 am when slum-dwellers were asleep. It took around four hours for the firemen to douse the blaze. 
    A senior official, who was part of the rescue team, said the fire broke out in chawl number 3. 
    SSC and HSC students, whose exams are under way, were among those affected. "Hall tickets and books of SSC students were burned. The students were allowed to sit 
for the exam on Thursday after they informed the school authorities about the fire," said a resident. 
    The cause of the fire is unknown and the fire brigade will investigate it. But according to eye-witnesses, the fire was due to a short circuit in a hutment. Within no time, it spread and engulfed most hutments. Three gas cylinders also exploded. 
    The fire brigade used 12 engines, 10 jetties, six ambulances and three water tankers to extinguish the fire. 
    Corporator Tanvir Patel, who made food arrangements and organized temporary accommodation, said, "Some students' practical exams are on. Arrangements have to be made for them on a priority basis." 
ALL ABLAZE 
Cause of fire | Unknown 
Where | Slum pocket in Shastri Nagar, Bandra (W) 
Damage | 150 shanties 
PAST SLUM FIRES Jan 25, 2013 | Six people died and 10 were injured in the fire at an illegal slum in Mahim. At least 100 shanties were gutted 
Jan 22, 2013 | A fire engulfed the Dharavi slum, causing extensive damage to eight godowns and many houses 
March 4, 2011 | A major fire broke out at Garib Nagar in Bandra (E) destroying around 450 slums. The house of child artiste Rubina Ali (Slumdog Millionaire) was also destroyed