Mumbai, Nov 26: A major fire engulfed a prominent commercial hub here in the wee hours of today, leaving three firemen injured and gutting more than 300 shops.
As many as 34 fire engines and more than 13 water tankers were pressed into service to control the flames that swept through Manish Market, Sara-Sahara shopping complex, Mohata market and other small shopping establishments in south Mumbai, a Fire Brigade official said.
The shopping enclave mostly houses showrooms of electronic goods, perfumes and clothes, among others. The cause of the fire, that started at around 3.45 am, was yet to be ascertained, and it has still not been brought under control, he said.
Three firefighters were injured while dousing the flames, the official said.
Two additional fire tenders from adjoining Navi Mumbai and one from Thane have also been pressed into service, the official added.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan visited the spot and enquired into the cause of the blaze from the officials present there.
Shop owners were seen busy trying to remove goods and charred remains from the site.
Centre officer in Mumbai Fire Brigade, Siddhesh Durgawale, who complained of suffocation while dousing the flames, was admitted to the civic-body run Nair hospital while three other fire officials were treated in the ambulance stationed at the spot.
