A 16-year-old boy died after the slab of a shop storing firecrackers collapsed following an explosion in Mumbai’s Malad area, officials said on Tuesday.
According to PTI, the unfortunate incident occurred at 9:56 pm on Monday, November 9 at the ground-floor shop on Abdul Hamid Marg in Malvani, the official said.
A civic official said, “Following an explosion of firecrackers, the shop’s slab collapsed, and a blaze also erupted.”
Fire extinguished at 10:36 pm on Monday
The fire was confined to firecrackers and electrical wiring and installations spread over about 20 by 30 feet inside the shop and was extinguished by 10:36 pm, according to the fire brigade.
A boy, who was reported missing after the incident, was later found charred to death inside the shop, the civic official said.
Furthermore, the deceased has been identified as Shanwaz Niyaz Khan, suffering 100 per cent burns, the official added.
Firecrackers continue beyond 10 pm despite police presence
While several accidental fires linked to firecrackers were reported across Mumbai on Sunday night, Awaaz Foundation conducted its annual monitoring of noise levels and air quality across the city.
The foundation recorded the highest concentration of firecracker activity on Lakshmi Pujan day, Sunday, between 8 pm and 11:15 pm. Its members monitored areas including Carter Road in Bandra, Mahim, Dadar, Shivaji Park, Prabhadevi, Worli, Haji Ali, Marine Drive, Cuffe Parade, and Colaba.
According to the foundation, former firecracker hotspots such as Marine Drive and Shivaji Park witnessed fewer crackers this year, with most activity sporadic and spread across neighbourhoods. The readings were lower than those recorded in 2023, when Marine Drive registered noise levels of 82-117 dB between 9 pm and 11.25 pm. Shivaji Park recorded 99 dB at 7.45 pm and 95 dB at 11.45 pm, while Carter Road registered 72-85 dB at 7 pm.
Crackers continue beyond 10 pm
Despite police presence, crackers were still being burst at Cuffe Parade and Carter Road around 11.15 pm, foundation members said. Other neighbourhoods also reported firecracker use beyond the 10 pm deadline, with police intervening in some instances. Awaaz Foundation has written to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and the BMC commissioner, flagging the violations and seeking stricter enforcement.
(With inputs from PTI)
