Multiple cylinder blasts, massive fire reported at Chawl in Sewri

A massive fire broke out in a residential chawl at Reti Bander Road in Sewri area of Mumbai on Tuesday afternoon officials said adding that multiple cylinder blasts were reported and a firefighting operation was launchedAccording to the officials the incident was reported at around 315 pm on December 30 officials saidAccording to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporationrsquos Mumbai Fire Brigade MFB the fire was declared a Level I incident at 313 pm which was upgraded to a Level II fire at 331 pmThe Mumbai Fire Brigade has dispatched eight fire engines ten water tankers two Assistant Divisional Fire Officers one Divisional Fire Officer along with fire crew an official said adding that the blaze was covered at 434 pmFire started in a roomThe fire initially started in one room reportedly due to a short circuit Later a gas cylinder blast caused the fire to spread to four to five additional rooms in the chawlOfficials stated that at least four cylinders exploded during the incident which increased the intensity of the fireThe information was shared by the Senior Police Inspector of Sewri Police Station during an update at 325 pm said an officialFirefighters worked to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading furtherAgencies mobilisedSeveral agencies were mobilised immediately including the Mumbai Fire Brigade Mumbai Police BMC ward staff 108 ambulance services and the BEST Electricity Distribution Company Electricity supply in the area was managed as a safety measureSo far no injuries have been reported in the incident and an operation to control the blaze is underwayFurther details are awaitedBMC issues advisory on fire safety ahead of New Year 2026 celebrationsMeanwhile the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation BMC has issued fire safety guidelines for citizens and establishments ahead of New Year 2026 celebrationsThe blaze that started at the firstfloor bar Mojo Bistro in Kamala Mills at central Mumbai had claimed the lives of 14 peopleWith parties events and programmes planned across the city the civic officials emphasised on the importance of fire vigilance to prevent accidents and loss of lifeGuidelines for establishment owners and event organisersThe BMC and Mumbai Fire Brigade have advised all event organisers and establishment owners to Ensure fire safety equipment like alarms extinguishers sprinkler systems and risers are functional Keep emergency exits unobstructed and doors unlocked Install clear directional signboards for evacuation Inspect gas connections and electrical systems particularly in kitchens Avoid storing excess LPG cylinders Ensure premises are not overcrowded beyond permitted capacity Strictly prohibit firecrackers fireworks fire games smoking and hookah Use fireretardant materials for decoration and avoid combustible materials Follow all measures prescribed under the Maharashtra Fire Prevention and Life Safety Measures Act 2006Advisory for citizensThe BMC has also urged citizens toavoid overcrowding at event venues the Mumbai civic body stated that the citizens must Familiarise themselves with emergency exits and escape routes Ensure that establishments comply with fire safety norms Refrain from fireworks decorative pyrotechnics fire games smoking or hookah at venues