A major fire broke out on Shimpoli Road in Borivli West late Saturday night after a rocket accidentally landed inside a mirror shop, gutting three shops completely and destroying property worth several lakhs of rupees. A two-wheeler parked inside one of the shops was also reduced to ashes.
According to police and fire officials, the incident occurred around 11.30 pm when the rocket flew into Vadgama House, a structure housing several small shops. The fire spread rapidly through adjoining units before locals and fire brigade personnel managed to bring it under control.
Firemen and locals work together to douse the blaze on Shimpoli Road. PICS/BY SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
One of the affected shop owners, Sultan Khan, who has been running his mirror and glass shop for the past five years, said he rushed to the spot after receiving a call from a friend. “By the time I reached, everything was gone. My entire stock, designer glass, soundproof panels, and coloured glass, was destroyed,” Khan told mid-day, estimating his losses at around Rs 6 lakh.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the incident. Police and fire officials are now investigating how the rocket landed on the shop’s roof. “The shops had covered their roofs with tarpaulin for rain protection. Locals told me they saw a rocket fall onto the roof, sparking the fire. It’s impossible to find who exactly was responsible, but a single rocket has caused such a huge loss,” Khan said.
The Mumbai Fire Brigade reached the spot promptly and extinguished the flames within minutes. Fire officials have urged citizens to exercise caution while bursting firecrackers, especially in crowded or commercial areas, to avoid similar mishaps during the festive season.
