A massive fire broke out early Wednesday morning in a densely populated slum area in Pune, engulfing approximately 90 shanties and causing explosions of at least 15 gas cylinders, officials confirmed. The blaze erupted around 5 AM in the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar slum locality of Chandan Nagar, rapidly spreading through the tightly packed tin-roofed huts.
Firefighters deployed over 15 fire tenders and around 80 personnel to combat the inferno, successfully bringing the fire under control by 6:45 AM after an intense battle. Despite the scale of destruction, no casualties have been reported so far, though many residents lost their homes and belongings.
Witnesses described scenes of panic as residents evacuated hastily, carrying whatever possessions they could salvage. The fire brigade conducted extensive cooling operations to prevent secondary outbreaks. Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fire, which remains unknown at this time.
This incident echoes similar tragedies in urban slums, where cooking gas cylinder explosions exacerbate fires, putting vulnerable communities at grave risk. The Pune fire follows recent incidents in Mumbai and Gurugram where gas cylinder blasts led to widespread damage, underscoring the urgent need for improved safety measures in slum settlements.
Local administration has promised relief and rehabilitation support for the affected families. Fire officials have urged residents to exercise caution with gas cylinders and electrical wiring to prevent future disasters.