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Updated May 22, 2026 · 16:55
Maharashtra News Updated May 22, 2026

Thane Fire: Shinde Announces Rs 10 Lakh Ex Gratia for Victims' Families

A fire broke out in Thane's Gaondevi market, killing two people. Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde visited the site and announced Rs 10 lakh ex gratia for each victim's family and Rs 1 lakh for the injured. In a separate incident, a fire in Hardoi's Naveen fruits and vegetables market gutted eight shops, with two LPG cylinders exploding. Firefighters managed to remove four other cylinders safely, preventing further damage.

Eknath Shinde condoles loss of lives due to fire mishap in Thane's Gaondevi market

Thane, May 22

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde on Friday announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the families of the victims of the Gaondevi Market area, where two people were killed.

He also condoled the loss of lives due to the fire incident.

After inspecting the fire that broke out in the Gaondevi market area, Shinde told reporters here, "This is a very old market. Two people died in the incident here. I offer my condolences to both of them. We will provide Rs 10 lakh in aid to each family through the Municipal Corporation. A decision has been made to provide Rs 1 lakh in aid to the injured."

Earlier on Thursday, a fire broke out in several shops at the Gaondevi Market near the Thane district station complex. Fire tenders were rushed to the spot, and efforts were made to douse the flames.

Meanwhile, at least eight shops were gutted in a fire which broke out in the Naveen fruits and vegetables market in Hardoi late Thursday night.

Fire Officer Shivram Yadav said that at least two cylinders had exploded in front of him, and he suspected there had been prior explosions as well.

The fire department safely removed at least four cylinders from the area.

The official said that over half a dozen shops had been damaged by the fire and added that a total of three fire tenders were used to control the blaze.

"Information about a fire near Naveen Sabji Mandi was received. Initially, two fire engines were dispatched, but seeing the intensity of the fire, we called for one more, making it three in total. More than half a dozen shops were affected. We managed to safely remove four LPG cylinders, but two others exploded right in front of me. Our firefighters showed great courage and presence of mind to extinguish the fire, preventing potentially massive loss of life and property," he said earlier

— ANI

Reader Comments

Priya S

Gaondevi market is so old and congested. We've been saying this for years - these narrow lanes are a disaster waiting to happen. At least the Deputy CM visited. Hope this leads to proper fire safety measures.

Rajesh Q

Hardoi also had a similar incident with LPG cylinders exploding. These vegetable markets are tinderboxes. Municipal corporations need to enforce fire NOCs and regular inspections. The firefighters showed real courage though. 🔥

Nisha Z

My heart goes out to the families who lost their loved ones. Rs 10 lakh feels inadequate when you think about the future of those dependents. The government should also focus on compensation for shop owners who lost everything.

Suresh O

Being a Thane local, I know how chaotic Gaondevi market is. The fire brigade must have had a tough time navigating those narrow bylanes. Good that Shinde saheb visited personally and announced aid. But prevention is better than cure - old markets need modern fire systems.

Tanya I

Two separate fire incidents in Thane and Hardoi on the same day! This is a wake-up call for all municipal corporations. Those cylinder explosions in Hardoi could have been catastrophic - kudos to the firemen for their bravery. 🤝

Arjun K

The compensation is welcome but let's

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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